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iXlBKARY of CONGRESS j *b ^ 



Two CoDies Received 
JUN 13 I90r 
Copyright Entry 

/CUSS XXc, No. 

COPY b. / j 



EDITION FORTY THOUSAND 

Copyrighted 1907, by Publishers 

Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society 

Bible House, Arch Street * 
Allegheny, Pa., U. S. A. 

Branches:— I*ondon,"vV., Melbourne, Elberfeld, 
Copenhagen, Stockholm, Yverdon-Swisse 



DEDICATED 

to 

Gbe Iboueeboib of jfaitb 

b£ tbe compiler, 

G, W. S EI BERT. 



" Brethren, giving all diligence, add to your faith 
virtue [ steadfastness ] ; and to virtue knowl- 
edge ; and to knowledge temperance [self- 
control] ; and to temperance patience ; 
and to patience godliness; and 
to godliness brotherly kind- 
ness ; and to brotherly 
kindness love. 
For if these things be in you 
and abound, 
they shall make you 
that you shall neither be 
barren nor unfruitful in the 
knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 
—2 Pet. i : 5-8.— 



profitable "B>aily Githtng. 

" Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will 
not open you the windows of heaven and pour you out a 
blessing, that there shall not be room enough to contain 
it."—Malachi3:lO. 
If Christians allow the rush and crush of selfish ambition 
to deprive them of their daily portion of heavenly food, they 
must not be surprised if they grow spiritually leaner day by 
day and if " the peace of God" gives place in their hearts to 
the discontent which is growing in the world, notwithstanding 
the multiplication of our comforts and privileges. Let us re- 
member the exhortation, " In all thy ways acknowledge Him, 
and he shall direct thy paths." — Proverbs 3:6. 

Our first edition of " Manna " 20,000, met with far better 
success than we had dared hope for; and we have been greatly 
encouraged by the kind words of its many friends far and near. 
Some call it their 44 Heavenly Breakfast Food" and tell that 
they feast upon its lessons as regularly as the sun rises. Surely 
the little tithe of time daily spent in partaking of its morsels of 
heavenly counsel cannot fail to profit all who partake. The 
day opened with such meditations is sure to be the better spent 
and more profitable. The heart thus turned to holy thoughts 
is much less likely to go aside from right paths than otherwise. 
" The wisdom that cometh from above," is thus gradually and 
easily assimilable and cannot fail to bear some good fruit in the 
hearts of the saints, and to awaken reverence in the worldly. 

Every Christian who sees this book is sure to be interested 
and to want a copy for his own breakfast table. And as it is 
published, not for profit but to do good, we have put the price 
so low as to bring it within the reach of all. We do our friends 
and neighbors a valuable service when we call the " Manna" 
to their attention and assure them that it is merely Christian 
— not denominational. Some use them as birthday presents 
and holiday gifts : others anxious to extend their good influ- 
ence, purchase them by the quantity and sell them at a slight 
advance to cover their time and car fare. All are welcome to 
engage in this service of love to the extent of their opportunity 
and ability. 

In this edition we have added the Autograph and Birthday 
record feature. This necessitated our printing the book on 
Bond writing paper at a considerable increase in the cost of 
production. To see the autographs of our friends daily is a 
pleasure and to be reminded of their birthday is a great 
convenience. 

The book will last a life-time, and can be used year after 
year, for the sacred message never grows old, but is line upon 
line, precept upon precept. 



JANUARY 1. 



O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his 
Praise to be heard: which holdeth our soul in life, and suf- 
fer eth not our feet to be moved. Psa. 66: 8, p. 

* * * 

Thanks be to God that his grace has preserved us, 
" kept us from falling," through another year : — that so 
many of us are still of one heart and of one mind in re- 
spect to his Word and its service ! When we remember 
that the Adversary is to be permitted to bring " strong 
delusions " upon the Lord's people for the very purpose 
of sifting out all not truly his (2 Thess. 2:10-12), it 
should surely call forth our thanks to God that the open- 
ing of another year finds us still standing fast, — appre- 
ciating the Truth, and in full accord with all the divine 
appointments by which he has kept us from falling. 
Z. '03-3. 



JANUARY 2. 

Ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a 
price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your 
spirit, which are God's. 1 Cor. 6:19,20. 

At the opening of the new year, what lesson could be 
more important to us than this one, that we are not our 
own, but belong to another; that we are not, therefore, to 
seek to please ourselves, but to please him; nor to seek 
to serve self, but to serve him ; nor to seek to obey self- 
will, but on the contrary his will ? This means holiness in 
the most absolute and comprehensive sense of the word 
(not only separation from sin to righteousness, but 
separation from self to the will of God in Christ). 
Z. '97-35- 



JANUARY 3. 



Pray without ceasing, i Thess. 5: 17. 

* * * 

Whatever might be our natural inclinations with 
reference to definiteness and persistency in prayer, we 
must take our instructions from the Scriptures; and 
overcoming our natural predilections, we must as " little 
children " and as " dear children " conform our views and 
conduct to the instruction which is from above. Let us 
all, therefore, remember the words, "ask (in my name), 
and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." — Jno. 
16 : 24. The Heavenly Father has multiplied mercies, 
blessings and providences in store for his obedient and 
faithful children who will ask for them. Z. '96-162. 

JANUARY 4. 

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall 
strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Psa. 
27:14. 

He * * 

Time is an important element in all* God's plans: we 
are not, therefore, to be disappointed when the test of 
endurance is applied while the blessings we crave tarry 
long. God took time to frame the world and to fit it for 
human habitation; time to give the world its necessary 
experience with evil; time to prepare for the advent of 
Christ as the world's Redeemer; time for the preparation 
of the Church to share in his glorious reign; and time 
must be allowed for the shaping and adjusting of the 
individual affairs of his people. God has not forgotten 
when the answers to our prayers seem to tarry long. He 
who heeds the sparrow's fall and numbers the very hairs 
of our heads is not indifferent to the faintest call or the 
smallest necessity of his humblest child. Z. '95-20. 



JANUARY 5. 



The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on 
me. Rom. 15 : 3. 

* # * 

Let us see to it that we bear the reproaches of Christ 
as he bore them, — with pity and prayer for the erring and 
depraved, if perchance God may grant them repentance; 
and with humble fortitude esteeming it a privilege to 
prove our devotion to the Lord by enduring hardness in 
his service as good soldiers. He was not surprised by 
the exhibitions of human depravity: he knew that he 
was in an unfriendly world bound by sin and largely 
under the dominion of the prince of darkness, and there- 
fore he expected reproaches, taunts and persecutions, 
all of which he endured patiently while his great loving 
heart, almost unmindful of its own sufferings, was full of 
pity and loving concern for others. Z. '96-83. 

JANUARY 6. 

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply 
oar hearts unto wisdom. Psa. 00:12. 

# * * 

The Christian, in numbering his days, does not do so 
with a doleful or disconsolate sentiment, although he 
does so with sobriety. He counts the days as they go 
as so many blessings, so many privileges, so many oppor- 
tunities to " show forth the praises of him who called us 
out of darkness into his marvelous light," to render as- 
sistance to others in the pilgrim journey, and to develop 
in himself more and more of the character pleasing in the 
sight of God, — to become more and more a copy of God's 
dear Son. Z. '01-333. 



-JANUARY 7." 



Speak evil of no man. Titus 3 : 2. 

* * * 

If once the soldiers of the cross would get the proper 
thought, that slander and evil speaking are assassinations 
of the character of another, and that defamation is 
robbery of another's good name, the sooner they will see 
this matter in its truly awful light, as it must appear in 
the Lord's sight; and once seeing the matter from this 
true, divine standpoint must awaken the new creature to 
the greatest activity possible in the overcoming of such 
works of the flesh and of the devil. Each will seek to 
purge out the old leaven of malice and envy and strife 
and crookedness and evil speaking, that he may be pure 
in heart, a copy of the Lord. Z. '03-425. 

JANUARY 8. 

See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but 
ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, 
and to all men. 1 Thess. 5: 15. 

* * * 

According to the Scriptural standard, the elect Church 
of Christ should be the most polished, the most refined, 
the most polite, the most generous, the most kind, of all 
the people in the world; — and should be all these in the 
most absolute sense; not in the mere sense of an outward 
form and appearance of kindness, gentleness, etc., so 
common in the world; but a gentleness, a kindness, pro- 
ceeding from the heart, proceeding from an appreciation 
of the Lord's spirit and the spirit of the Truth, the spirit 
of love, and the spirit of justice, also. Z. '01-297. 



JANUARY 9. 



Who maketh thee to differ from another? And what 
hast thou that thou didst not receive? i Cor. 4: 7. 

* * * 

All of the Lord's consecrated people should realize that 
they have come into the present grace and truth, not by 
their own wisdom nor by the wisdom of others, but 
through the wisdom and grace of the Lord. The same 
thought should be entertained by all who serve the 
Church of God as ministers, servants in any department, 
in any manner responsible to the Lord for their position 
in the household of faith, and their opportunities to 
serve as the Lord's mouthpieces should be felt and con- 
fessed. But failure to confess it implies a failure rightly 
to appreciate it. Z. '03-430. 

JANUARY 10. 

Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken 
in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering af- 
fliction, and of patience. J as. 5: 10. 

* * * 

The right path is still the " narrow path " of ^//-abase- 
ment and ^//-denial — the path of meekness and humil- 
ity: and it will require as much effort and grace to walk 
it this year as last, or possibly more; for the more- we 
grow in grace and knowledge, the stronger will be the 
temptations to be boastful, puffed up, heady, high- 
minded; and the higher we climb in faith and hope and 
love and activity in the Lord's service, the more the great 
Adversary will oppose our progress, and the more his 
emissaries will slander, backbite, and generally seek to 
injure us. Z. '95-3. 



JANUARY 11. 



His Word was in mine heart as a burning Hre shut 
up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I 
could not stay. Jer. 20: p. 

* * * 

Let us who are privileged to remain to this time of 
favor and blessing and enlightenment give glory to the 
Lord, and see to it that the loving disposition of John is 
manifested in us, and also his energy, his zeal; for while 
he is called the loving disciple we are to remember also 
that he was, because of his impetuous zeal, styled, with 
his brother, Boanerges — son of thunder. Let us be full 
of energy, full of sacrifices which love prompts, that we 
may glorify the Lord in our bodies and spirits which are 
his. Z. '01-151. 

JANUARY 12. 

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which 
are spiritual restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; 
considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Gal. 6: 1. 

* * * 

Let us learn well this lesson of reproving others very 
gently, very considerately, kindly, by a hint rather than 
a direct charge and detail of the wrong — by an enquiry 
respecting the present condition of their hearts rather 
than respecting a former condition, in which we know 
they have erred. We are to be less careful for the punish- 
ments that will follow wrongdoings than for the recovery 
of the erring one out of the error of his way. W e are not 
to attempt to judge and punish one another for misdeeds, 
but rather to remember that all this is in the hands of the 
Lord; — we are not in any sense of the word to avenge 
ourselves or to give chastisement or recompense for evil. 
Z. '01-150. 



JANUARY 13. 



My little children, these things write I unto you, 
that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate 
with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, i John 2: 1. 

* * * 

If we find that through lack of faith or weakness of the 
flesh a wrong step has been taken, contrary to the Lord's 
will and our best spiritual^ interests, no time should be 
lost in retracing the steps and in calling upon the Lord. 
We have an altar consecrated with the precious blood of 
Christ, far superior every way to that which Abraham 
consecrated with the blood of typical animals, and the 
Apostle exhorts us,, " Let us come boldly [courageously — 
full of faith] to the throne of grace, that we may obtain 
mercy and find grace to help in every time of need." — 
Heb. 4: 16. Z. '01-233. 

JANUARY 14. 

/ therefore so run, not as uncertainly ; so fight I, not 
as one that heateth the air. 1 Cor. 9: 26. 

* * * 

It will be found a great help to the weaknesses of the 
fallen nature to have under standingly made a full con- 
secration of the will, — a full enlistment of every power 
and talent of mind and of body. He who takes this 
proper view of his consecration to the Lord and enlist- 
ment in the Lord's army, realizes that he has nothing 
more to give to the Lord, and hence, whatever struggle of 
the will he may have is all ended when he has finally de- 
cided — " As for me and my house, we will serve the 
Lord." How important it is, therefore, that all the 
soldiers realize that the term of the enlistment is until 
death, and that there is no room for even considering any 
suggestion to withdraw from the battle and cease even for 
an hour to fight the good fight of faith. Z. '03-421. 



JANUARY 15. 

What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, 
and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? 
Micah 6: 8. 

# * * 

That these are very reasonable requirements will be 
conceded by all. That God could not require less from 
those whom he is educating for the future judging of the 
world, is evident: and yet, all three of these qualities 
specified through the Prophet, are comprehended in the 
one word Love. Love requires that we shall deal justly 
with our neighbors, with the brethren, with our families, 
with ourselves; that we shall seek to cultivate our appre- 
ciation of the rights of others, — their physical rights, 
their moral and intellectual rights, their liberties; and 
that, appreciating these, we shall in no sense of the word 
seek to abridge or deny them. Z. '02-172. 

JANUARY 16. 

Instant in prayer. Rom. 12: 12. 

* * * 

What a blessed privilege, dear fellow-disciples of the 
Lord, is ours, to be instant in prayer, to pray always — to 
lift up our hearts and minds to God at any time and in 
any place and to realize thus daily and hourly that the 
Father and our dear Lord Jesus continually abide with 
us. And then, when the active duties of the day have 
been performed under his eye and supervision, or at any 
time when the soul realizes its necessity, how precious is 
the privilege of entering into our closets and there, alone 
with God, unburdening our hearts. Z. '95-215. 



JANUARY 17. 



Keep yourselves in the love of God. Jude 2i. 

* * * 

We may daily and hourly keep ourselves in the Lord's 
love by obedience to, and a growing love for, the princi- 
ples of righteousness. And we are to rejoice in every 
experience of life, — its trials, difficulties, sorrows, disap- 
pointments, etc., no less than in its pleasures, if by any or 
all of these means the Lord shall instruct us and give us 
clearer insight into our own deficiencies, and a still clearer 
insight into that perfect law of liberty and love which he 
has established, and to which he requires our full and 
loyal heart-submission. '02-1 73. 



JANUARY 18. 

Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving 
the Lord. Rom. 12: 11. 

* * * 

Let all who would run the race successfully look well to 
their zeal and activity in the Lord's work. If we bury 
our one or many talents under a weight of worldly cares 
and encumbrances which might be avoided or set aside; 
if we bury them under worldly ambitions for either self or 
family — whether this be by wasting consecrated time 
upon science, philosophy, music or art, or upon business, 
politics or pleasures, or in pampering pride and appetite 
— then as unfaithful servants we will sooner or later go 
into outer darkness. Z. '91-9. 



JANUARY 19. 

0 how I love thy law! it is my meditation all the 
day. Psa. up : 97. 

* * * 

It is a great privilege for Christians to study the Lord's 
Word, yet a great deal of study is done to no purpose. 
Study which is not put into practice is worse than a waste 
of time. Every reasonable opportunity should be used 
by the Lord's people to obtain a knowledge of the divine 
plan — even to the extent of sacrificing; but the child of 
the Lord will be particular to see that it is his own con- 
veniences and comforts that he is sacrificing, and not 
chiefly the conveniences and comforts of others. The 
Bible study which is done merely at the expense of others 
is a sign of selfishness rather than a sign of a rich indwell- 
ing of the Lord's spirit of love. Z. '99-156. 

JANUARY 20. 

// ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as 
sons: for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 
Heh. 12:7. 

* * * 

Character cannot be developed wholly without trial. 
It is like a plant: at first it is very tender; it needs an 
abundance of the sunshine of God's love; frequent water- 
ing with the showers of his grace; much cultivating 
through the applied knowledge of his character as a good 
foundation for faith and inspiration to obedience; and 
then, when thus developed under these favorable condi- 
tions, it is ready for the pruning hand of discipline, and is 
also able to endure some hardness. And, little by little, 
as strength of character is developed, the tests applied to 
it serve only to develop more strength, beauty and grace, • 
until it is finally fixed, developed, established, perfected 
— through suffering. Z. '95-107. 



JANUARY 21. 



// any man will come after me, let him deny himself 
and take up his cross, and follow me. Matt. 16 : 24. 

* * * 

Cross-bearing is closely related to self-denial, and yet a 
distinction between them may be noted. Self-denial 
relates more particularly to passive obedience and endur- 
ance for the Lord's sake; cross-bearing has to do more, 
especially with activities in the Lord's service, which we 
find to be contrary to our natural inclinations. Faith- 
fulness in self-denial means courage and zeal; cross- 
bearing means victory, overcoming. Our self-denials 
may be victories in our own hearts, of which others 
may know nothing, and of which they should know 
nothing, if we desire to have the fulness of the Lord's 
blessing. Our cross-bearing, however, may be seen, to 
some extent at least, by those who are in close contact 
with us, and especially by those who are walking in the 
same "narrow way." Z. '00-118. 

JANUARY 22. 

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your 
heart, all ye that hope in the Lord. Psa. 31: 24. 

* * * 

It would seem as though the Adversary at times at- 
tempted to discourage us by making us think that the 
trials and difficulties of the " narrow way " of sacrifice 
will be unavailing anyhow, and that we might as well 
give up. . . . And what course should we pursue at such 
a time? We should follow the example of our Lord, and 
seek the Father's face, anxious to know whether or not 
our interests are all right with him; anxious for some 
assurances that while the world may hate us, and say all 
manner of evil against us falsely, we still have his ap- 
proval; anxious for some fresh assurance that it will be 
well with us, that the Lord will grant us a part in the bet- 
ter resurrection to life eternal. Z. '01-79. 



JANUARY 23. 

Brethren, let every man, zvherein he is called, therein 
abide with God. i Cor. /: 24. 

* * * 

Duties may at times seem to conflict, but they do not 
really do so. A Christian's first duty is his hearty ac- 
knowledgment of his Creator and Lord, in all his ways. 
His second duty, if he be a husband and father, is toward 
his wife and children; or if she be a wife and mother, it 
is toward her husband and children. The marriage con- 
tract, by divine arrangement, comes in as a first mortgage 
upon every husband's time and upon every wife's time — 
the demands of this mortgage must be reasonably met 
before anything can be properly done to or for outsiders. 

z. '99-155. 

JANUARY 24. 

Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them 
about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart. 
Prov. 3 : 3. 

* * * 

While justice is the first feature of the commandment 
of love, it is not the end of its requirements : it requires 
that, going beyond strict justice, our love shall prompt us 
to the exercise of mercy and forgiveness. And in thus 
exercising mercy, we are again but copying divine love. 
f. . . Hence, in our dealings with others who, like our- 
selves, are fallen and imperfect, we are to remember this 
feature and not only be just toward them but, additionally, 
to be merciful, generous, kind, even to the unthankful, — 
that thus we may be children of our Father in heaven. 
Z. '02-171. 



JANUARY 25. 



Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the 
morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Matt. 
6:34. 

* * * 

Our Lord assures us that if the main thought of our 
hearts is his service and the promotion of righteousness 
and an attainment of the Kingdom which God has 
promised to them that love him, then we need carry no 
anxious cares respecting the future. As his disciples we 
will have trials and tribulations enough, day by day, and 
will need daily to lean upon the Bridegroom's arm as we 
seek to walk the narrow way. Sufficient for each day 
will be the evil of itself : and thanks be to God also, we 
have the promise that daily his grace shall be sufficient 
for us. Z. '98-44. 



JANUARY 26. 

When ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad 
countenance. Matt. 6: 16. 

* # # 

Fasting is specially commendable to the Lord's people 
at times when they find themselves lacking in spirituality 
and exposed to severe temptations from the world, the 
flesh and the devil; for by impoverishing the physical 
force and vitality, it may assist the full-blooded and im- 
pulsive to self-control in every direction. We believe 
that a majority of Christians would be helped by occa- 
sional fasting, — a very plain diet for a season, if not total 
abstinence. But fastings, to be seen and known of men 
or to be conjured up in our own minds as marks of piety 
on our part, would be injurious indeed, and lead to spir- 
itual pride and hypocrisy, which would far outweigh their 
advantages to us in the way of self-restraints. Z. '98-45. 



JANUARY 27. 



Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are 
the issues of life. Prov. 4 : 23. 

* * * 

It is not sufficient that we acknowledge sin in its 
various forms to be evil, and that we resolve that we will 
strive against it because it is under the Lord's ban. In 
addition to this we are to root out of our hearts every 
longing, every desire for everything not thoroughly ap- 
proved by the Lord. Oh, what a cleansing this would 
mean in the hearts and lives, and especially in the 
thoughts, of many who have named the name of Christ ! 
Many who fail to note this point find themselves contin- 
ually beset by temptations, because, while outwardly 
avoiding gross immoralities, they secretly harbor sym- 
pathies for things condemned, — desiring that they might 
have them, if only they were not forbidden. Z. '99-140. 

JANUARY 28. 

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in 
white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the 
book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, 
and before his angels. Rev. 3:5. 

* * * 

The faithful overcomers watch^ and keep their gar- 
ments unspotted from the world. . . . " They have not 
defiled their garments," they have " kept their garments 
unspotted from the world." They have not been willing 
to permit sin to contaminate them and to separate them 
from the Lord, but have quickly applied for and obtained 
the precious blood to remove every stain. They are so 
heartily opposed to sin and so earnest about the keeping 
of this garment unspotted that the Adversary gets no 
hold upon them — " the wicked one catcheth them not." 
All this indicates a full submission of their wills to the 
will of Christ — they are " dead with him," and hence 
could not willingly practice sin. Z. '97-161. 



JANUARY 29. 



The fear [reverence] of the Lord is the beginning of 
wisdom. Psa. 111:10. 

This is the only proper attitude of the creature toward 
the Creator, the Author of our being, and the Creator, 
Preserver and Lord of the whole universe. When he 
speaks, therefore, our ears should be reverently attentive 
to his voice, and every power alert to do his bidding. 
Our safety, our happiness, and that nobility of character 
which prompts to love and gratitude, and which promptly 
and wisely heeds instruction and advances in knowledge 
and wisdom, all depend primarily Upon our supreme rev- 
erence for the Lord. And therefore the Lord would fos- 
ter and cultivate in us that becoming, filial reverence that 
is due to his name. Z. '96-155. 

JANUARY 30. 

Jesus spake a parable unto them to this end, that 
men ought always to pray, and not to faint. Luke 18: 1. 

* * ^ 

In coming to God yve need have no fear that he is too 
busy with other matters of greater importance, or that he 
is weary of our coming to him repeatedly with things of 
small importance. It was to assure us against this very 
thing that our Lord spoke the parable of the importunate 
widow, who was heard and answered on account of her 
importunity. In so doing we evince both the earnestness 
of our desires and our faith that our prayers will be an- 
swered, if we faint not from lack of faith or zeal when the 
answer is delayed, as often it must necessarily be, since 
time is an important element in all God's work. Z. 
95- 2 1 4- 



JANUARY 31. 



The meek will he guide in judgment; and the meek 
will he teach his way. Psa. 25: p. 

# * * 

Such a disposition is essential to those who would 
receive the wisdom which cometh from above. They 
must have a humble appreciation of their own deficiencies 
and lack of wisdom, else they cannot receive freely, 
heartily, the wisdom which God is pleased to grant in the 
present time only to those who are in the attitude of 
heart to receive it. And it will be seen also that this 
humility of mind is essential as a basis for the spirit of a 
sound mind — for who is in a proper condition to think 
justly, reasonably, impartially, except first of all he have 
a humble disposition? Hence we must agree that humil- 
ity is a primary element in the disposition or mind of 
Christ. Z. '00-68. 



FEBRUARY 1. 

And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, 
This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right 
hand, and when ye turn to the left. Isa. 30: 21. 

jfc Jjs * 

If we have come to the forks of the road — to some 
crisis in our experience — and know not whether to turn to 
the right or to the left, we should stop at once and listen 
to the voice. Or, in other words, we should turn at once 
to the Word of the Lord, and by pondering its precepts 
and principles, and its illustrations bearing on the per- 
plexing subject, seek to learn the will of the Lord, asking 
also the leading of his Spirit, and endeavoring to bring the 
mind into a loving, submissive and trustful attitude. Z. 
'95-6- 



FEBRUARY 2. 



For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die. Rom. 8: 13. 
* * * 

What is it to live after the flesh? We answer, It is to 
live after, in conformity to, and in gratification of, the 
inclinations and cravings of the fallen human nature. 
And it is the easiest thing possible to do this. All we have 
to do is just listlessly to abandon ourselves to the current 
of our old nature, and cease to strive against it. As soon 
as we do this, we begin to float down the stream, and by 
and by we find the current more and more rapid and re- 
sistance more and more difficult. Z. '95-8. 



FEBRUARY 3. 

My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto 
my sayings. For they are life unto those that find them, 
and health to all their flesh. Prov. 4 : 20, 22. 

* * * 

Few recognize the influence of the mind over the body. 
God has so organized our beings that pure, noble, holy 
thoughts in general have not only an elevating and en- 
nobling effect upon the mental and moral constitution, 
but an invigorating influence upon the physical system. 
And, on the contrary, every unclean, ignoble, unchaste, 
unholy thought (as well as act) has a direct effect not 
only toward debasement of mind and morals, but toward 
the germination of seeds of disease already in the con- 
stitution of the fallen race. Z. '96-180. 



FEBRUARY 4. 



Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers 
of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. Rev. 
18:4. 

* * * 

Whoever are worthy the name, " my people," will hear 
and obey the Lord's voice and come out of Babylon and 
" receive not of her plagues ; " because their obedience in 
fleeing out as soon as they see Babylon's real condition 
will prove that they were never in real accord with her 
sins. Those who remain after seeing Babylon and her 
blasphemous doctrines in the light now shining are reck- 
oned as endorsing the blasphemies and deserving the 
" plagues " most thoroughly — as much or more than the 
" tare " class of Babylonians, because they have greater 
light. Z. '00-3. 



FEBRUARY 5. 

This is the will of God ^[concerning you], even your 
sanctiUcation. 1 Thess. 4:3. 

* * * 

Coming to the Scriptures to ascertain God's will, we 
find that the great work which God asks of us is not work 
for others, but work in ourselves, subduing, conquering, 
ruling self. Everything else, therefore,— our service of 
the household of faith, and our doing good unto all men, 
by home and foreign missions, etc. — is subservient to this 
most important work within. For, as the Apostle by 
inspiration declares, Though we should preach the 
gospel eloquently to others, and though we should give 
all our goods to feed the poor, or become martyrs for a 
good cause, without love, the Spirit of Christ and the 
Father, developed in us as the ruling principle of life, we 
would be nothing, from the divine standpoint. Z. '99-4. 



FEBRUARY 6. 



Promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the 
west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he put- 
teth down one, and setteth up another. Psa. 75: (5, 7. 
* * * 

We may have desires and aspirations for usefulness 
which will never be gratified. The Lord may see that 
we could not bear the exaltation and honor which we seek. 
He knows far better than we do what is for our good, and 
so he would have us rest contented in his providence, not 
idle, but diligent ; not careless, but watchful ; not indiffer- 
ent, but full of intense, earnest longing to do the will of 
God; yet patient under restraint, and content to be neg- 
lected and forgotten, remembering that " they also serve 
who only stand and wait,''' and that the Lord in his own 
well-chosen hour can lead us forth to fulfil his purposes 
of grace. Z. '95-11. 

FEBRUARY 7. 

Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is 
the fulfilling of the law. Rom. 1?: 10. 

3fc ^ ^ 

He who finds his heart not in harmony with this law of 
the Xew Covenant, love — mercy, kindness, gentleness, 
goodness — lacks the evidence or proof that he is in any 
sense of the word accepted as a son of God, and a joint- 
heir with Christ. If we have not love in our hearts for 
the brethren, and the love of gentleness and benevolence 
toward all men, and even toward the brute creation, we 
have not the spirit which will carry us through in making 
the sacrifices necessary under present conditions. It 
will only be a question of time with such when the power 
of pride or vain-glory, holding them in the way of sacri- 
fice, will snap asunder, and selfishness take full control. 
Z. '98-201, 



FEBRUARY 8. 



O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 
Matt. 14:31. 

* * * 

What must be done to overcome this lack of faith, and 
to have an increase of faith? We answer that, like the 
apostles of old, we should pray, " Lord, increase our 
faith." And then, acting in harmony with this prayer, 
each should cultivate faith in his own heart: (a) By re- 
freshing his memory continually with the divine promises, 
becoming very familiar with these in the Father's Word, 
(b) He should seek more and more to remember that, hav- 
ing made his covenant with the Lord, these promises are 
his, and in his heart and with his lips he should claim 
them as his before the Lord in prayer with thanksgiving. 
He should claim them in his own thoughts, and in his 
conferences on holy things with the brethren. Z. '00-170. 

FEBRUARY 9. 

Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath 
dealt bountifully with thee. Psa. 116 : 7. 

* * * 

The Christian's habit of thought has much indeed to do 
with his spiritual progress or retrogression, as it is also 
an index of his spiritual state ; and good habits of thought 
need to be carefully cultivated. By " habit of thought " 
we mean that normal condition to which the mind habitu- 
ally returns in the moments of mental leisure. While 
engaged in the active duties of life we must of necessity 
bend our mental energies to the work in hand, for if we do 
anything merely mechanically and without concentrating 
thought upon it we cannot do it well: yet even here 
Christian principle, well established in the character, will 
unconsciously guide. But when the strain of labor and 
care are lifted for a time, the established habit of thought, 
like the needle to the pole, should quickly return to its 
rest in God. Z. '95-250. 



FEBRUARY 10. 



Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in con- 
versation, in charity , in spirit, in faith, in purity, i Tim. 
4:12. 

* * * 

Every Ghristian should strive to be a pattern worthy of 
imitation — a pattern of earnest, faithful endeavor to copy 
Christ in his daily life, and of active zeal in his service. 
Patterns of perfection, of the ultimate moral glory and 
beauty of holiness, we cannot expect to be in the present 
life. Such a pattern we have only in Christ our Lord. In 
no such sense did Paul ever say, Follow me, or Follow us ; 
but he did say, " Be ye followers of me, even as I also am 
of Christ." — 1 Cor. nil. The Apostle was a grand ex- 
ample of earnest endeavor to attain perfection, but not of 
the ultimate perfection which was in Christ only ; and it is 
his zeal and intense earnestness in striving to copy Christ 
and to accomplish his will that we should imitate. Z. 
'95-251. 

FEBRUARY 11. 

Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and per- 
secute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you 
falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for 
great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the 
prophets which were before you. Matt. 5:11,12. 

* * * 

Opposition and persecution are the inevitable concomi- 
tants of activity in the service of God, and they should be 
met with reason and candor; and when these fail of their 
purpose, then, with solemn warnings of the dangers of 
such a course, the wilful opposer should be left to pursue 
his own course while we turn to others with the message 
of salvation. In the opposition which our Lord incurred 
and the manner in which he met it, there are valuable 
lessons for all who are similarly tried. Z. '94-368. 



FEBRUARY 12. 



Let patience have her perfect <work, that ye may be 
perfect and entire, wanting nothing. J as. 1 : 4. 

jjs * * 

Not one step of progress can be gained without the ex- 
ercise of this grace of patience ; and not one of the graces 
more beautifully adorns the Christian character, or wins 
the approval of the world's conscience, or glorifies the God 
of all grace whose Truth inspires it. It is long-suffering 
meekness earnestly striving to stem the tide of human 
imperfection and weakness, and endeavoring with pains- 
taking care to regain the divine likeness : it is slow to 
wrath and plenteous in mercy: it is quick to perceive the 
paths of truth and righteousness, and prompt to walk 
in them : it is mindful of its own imperfections and sym- 
pathetic with the imperfections and shortcomings of 
others. Z. '93-295. 

FEBRUARY 13. 

Love thinketh no evil. 1 Cor. 13: 5. 

* * * 

Whoever neglects the Lord's commands along this line 
of " evil surmisings " weaves a web for his own ensnare- 
ment, however " circumspectly " he may walk as respects 
other matters ; for a heart impregnated with doubt and 
suspicion toward fellow creatures is more than half pre- 
pared to doubt God: the spirit of sourness and bitterness 
is at war with the spirit of the Lord, the spirit of love. 
Either the one or the other will conquer. The wrong 
spirit must be gotten rid of, or it will defile the new crea- 
ture and make of him a " castaway." On the contrary, 
if the new nature conquer, as an " overcomer," it will be 
along this line : if evil surmisings are overcome, half the 
battle against present difficulties and besetments is won. 
Z. '98-84. 



FEBRUARY 14. 



By thy words thou shalt be justified } and by thy 
words thou shalt be condemned. Matt. 12: 37. 

All our words are taken by the Lord as an index of our 
hearts. If our words are rebellious, or disloyal, or frivo- 
lous, or flippant, or unkind, unthankful, unholy or im- 
pure, the heart is judged accordingly, on the principle 
that, " Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth 
speaketh." That as imperfect beings we may always be 
perfect in word and deed is not possible. Despite our 
best endeavors we will sometimes err in word as well as in 
deed, yet the perfect mastery of our words and ways is 
the thing to be sought by vigilant and faithful effort. Z. 
96-32. 

FEBRUARY 15. 

Whoso keepeth his Word, in him verily is the love of 
God perfected. 1 J no. 2: 5. 

* * * 

The test is obedience. In proportion as we keep the 
Lord's Word, in like proportion the love of God is per- 
fected in us ; for if we have received the mind of Christ, 
the holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the effect will be to 
cause us to both will and do his good pleasure — to the 
extent of our ability. And this ability should be con- 
tinually on the increase year by year. And altho we 
may not hope to be perfected until we shall be " changed 99 
and be granted our new resurrection bodies, nevertheless 
all the while we may keep so closely in touch with the 
Lord in the spirit of our minds that we may have con- 
tinual fellowship with him. Z. '97-312. 



J&reCf 



FEBRUARY 16. 



Through honour and dishonour, through evil report 
and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; . . . giving 
no offence in anything, that the ministry be not blamed. 
2 Cor. 6: 8,3. 

# * * 

While in the discharge of duty to the best of our 
ability, and when apparently we have the Lord's blessing 
and favor upon us and our affairs in a most marked de- 
gree, suddenly trouble may arise, adversity come, the 
powers of darkness seem to triumph, and for a moment we 
may be apparently culprits in the judgment of our fellow- 
men, and apparently forsaken by divine providence. 
Such experiences, doubtless, are needful to us; for though 
we may sing: — 

" I would rather walk in the dark with God, 
Than go alone in the light," 
yet this might be but an empty boast unless we were put 
through the trying experiences which would develop such 
faith, such trust, as would hold to the Lord's hand, and 
trust divine providence in the darkest hour. Z. '01-314. 

FEBRUARY 17. 

Take my yoke upon you, . . . for my yoke is easy, 

and my burden is light. Matt. 11 : 2p, 30. 

* * # 

Those who wear this yoke have the assurances of the 
divine Word that all things are working together for good 
to them; that the heavier the burden that may be at- 
tached, the greater will be the blessing and the reward by 
and by; the more severe the experiences during the pres- 
ent time, the brighter shall be the glory, and the brighter 
shall be their character, and the more sure shall they be 
of being fitted and polished for the heavenly Kingdom. 
From this standpoint every burden is light, because our 
yoke is appreciated, and is so easy, so reasonable : and ad- 
ditionally it is so light because the Lord is with us in this 
yoke. Z. '00-137. 



FEBRUARY 18, 



The Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye 
love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all 

your soul. Dent. 13:3. 

* * # 

The Kingdom is only intended for those who by God's 
grace shall at heart become like to the Lord Jesus, in that 
they will love the Lord with all their hearts, with all their 
souls, and be able to say. " Not my will, but thy will. O 
Lord, be done." Xo other condition than this of full 
submission to the Lord can make us acceptable for 
the Kingdom : for no other condition represents full self- 
submission and full love to God. And let us not forget 
that all the heavenly things which " eye hath not seen nor 
ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man," 
God hath reserved for them that love him supremely. Z. 
'98-40. 

FEBRUARY 19. 

Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them 
that are defiled and unfaithful nothing is pure: but both 
their mind and conscience are defiled : they profess to have 
known God, but by their works they renounce him, being 
abominable and disobedient, and to every good work 
worthless. Titus 1: 15, 16. 

♦ ♦ ♦ 

\\ 'hat a terrible condition this is, and how careful all of 
the Lord's people should be. not only to have pure 
hearts, pure minds, but also to keep their consciences 
very tender, in close accord with the word of the Lord. 
This condition can only be maintained by judging our- 
selves, and that strictly and frequently, by the standard 
which God has given us. his law of love. 

" I want the first approach to feel 
Of pride or fond desire; 
To catch the wandering of my will, 
And quench the kindling fire." 

Z. '99-214. 



FEBRUARY 20. 



// any man among you seemeth to be religious, and 
bridleth not his tongue, that man's religion is vain. J as. 
i: 26. 

* * * 

Because the tongue is the index of the heart, because 
"out of the fulness of the heart the mouth speaketh," 
therefore the unbridled tongue, speaking selfishly, en- 
viously, bitterly, boastfully, slanderously, proves that 
the heart from whose fulness these overflow is unsancti- 
fied, unholy, greviously lacking of the spirit of Christ, — 
hence, whatever religion it may have attained is thus far 
vain, as that heart is not saved, nor in a salvable condi- 
tion. But the Good Physician has pointed out antidotes 
for soul-poisoning, — medicines which, if properly taken 
according to directions, will sweeten the bitter heart. Z. 
'99-215. 

FEBRUARY 21. 

Thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy 
name's sake, lead me, and guide me. Psa. 31: 3. 

* * * 

After the Lord has given us certain lessons and experi- 
ences, some of which come to us under quiet and restful 
conditions, the order of procedure may be changed, and 
the indication of the Lord's providences may lead to 
some breaking up of conditions which had been both 
favorable and unfavorable in some respects — leading 
into new circumstances and conditions. It is not for the 
true spiritual Israelite to murmur or complain, or even 
to express a choice; but to look to the Lord for guidance. 
If he can discern the leadings of divine providence, even 
though it be in a wilderness condition more arid and 
undesirable than that in which he has previously been, he 
is to follow the Lord's leadings unquestioningly, and with 
songs of faith and confidence. Z. '02-249. 



FEBRUARY 22. 



Let your conversation be without covetousness ; and 
be content with such things as ye have. Heb. 13: 5. 

* * * 

Selfish prayers are too expensive. Some have gained 
wealth and lost the Truth and its service : some have 
gained health, only to find that with it they gained other 
trials no less severe: some have had their dear ones re- 
stored to them from the very jaws of death, only to wish 
afterward that God had not answered their prayers ; — or, 
more correctly, to wish that they had accepted the Lord's 
wisdom and providences trustfully, contentedly, uncom- 
plainingly. . . . Spiritual Israel should use wisely such 
things as are within their reach — accepting all as God's 
gifts with thanksgiving; but their petitions should be for 
spiritual gifts, — including patient endurance and heart 
contentment. Z. '02-250. 

FEBRUARY 23. 

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which 
thou shalt go : I will guide thee with mine eye. Psa. 32: 8. 

* * * 

One of the most important lessons for the spiritual 
Israelite to learn is to look to the Lord for leading in all of 
life's affairs — never to attempt any undertaking either 
temporal or spiritual, without seeking to note the will of 
the Lord concerning the same. . . . We are marching 
toward Canaan and know that other experiences^ are due 
us and must be undergone ere we can inherit the prom- 
ises. The lesson for us is prompt and thorough obedience 
to the Lord's leadings without murmurings — with joyful- 
ness ; and this can only be expected on the part of those 
who have learned the lessons previously given them, and 
above all the lesson of faith, — confidence in the Lord's 
power and goodness and faithfulness. Z. '02-251,249. 



FEBRUARY 24. 



For what the law could not do, in that it was weak 
through the flesh, God, sending his own Son in the likeness 
of sinful flesh, condemned sin in the flesh: that the right- 
eousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not 
after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom. 8: 3, 4. 

What comfort and consolation are in these assurances ! 
These are wonderful words of life, indeed ! They inspire 
us with hope. If God will accept perfect heart-inten- 
tions, as instead of the absolute perfection of the flesh, — 
then indeed we have hope of attaining to the standard 
which he has marked for us, — the standard of perfection. 
. . . We can walk after the Spirit, though, so far as our 
mortal bodies are concerned, we cannot walk up to the 
Spirit's requirements. Our minds can walk up to the 
Spirit, our intentions can be perfect; and this is what our 
Heavenly Father seeks in us, perfection of intention. Z. 
'02-248. 

FEBRUARY 25. 

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word 
that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matt. 4: 4. 

Jj« Jjj * 

We are to learn the lesson that a man's life consists not 
in the abundance of things which he possesseth — food and 
raiment — but that his life, in the fullest, grandest, highest 
sense, is dependent upon his complete submission to the 
divine will- — his careful attention to every word that pro- 
ceedeth out of the mouth of God — every admonition, 
every encouragement, every promise, is necessary to the 
development of those whom God is now calling to eternal 
life as joint-heirs with his son in the Kingdom. Let us 
then, more and more, as the disciples, pupils, of the Lord 
Jesus, keep in memory and act upon the suggestion of the 
words of this text. Z. '02-246, 248. 



FEBRUARY 26. 



Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Re- 
joice. Phil. 4 : 4. 

* * * 

We cannot have too many rejoicing Christians, nor can 
they rejoice too much, if they rejoice in the Lord. This 
rejoicing is not necessarily boisterous, nor of necessity the 
reverse. It implies serenity, happiness, peace, pleasure 
of soul, however, and does not mean that noisy demonstra- 
tion is essential, as some seem mistakenly to think. . . . 
The only ones who can rejoice alway are those who are 
living very near to the Lord, and who can feel always 
their oneness with him, and that his protection and care 
are over them, and that his promise is sure, that all 
things shall work together for their highest welfare, as 
New Creatures. Z. '03-7. 

FEBRUARY 27. 

Let your moderation be known unto all men. Phil. 

4:5. 

* * * 

The Greek word here rendered " moderation " seems to 
carry with it the thought of reasonableness, and of not ex- 
acting our rights too rigorously. Mercy and leniency are 
certainly qualities required of all who would be members 
of the body of the Anointed. Faithfulness in the per- 
formance, as far as possible, of all that justice would re- 
quire of us, and mercifulness in respect to all our require- 
ments of justice from others should be our rule: so shall 
we be the children of our Father which is in heaven, for 
he is kind and merciful to the unthankful. Z. '03-7. 



FEBRUARY 28. 



Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer 
and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be 
made known unto God. Phil. 4:6. 

* * * 

The question may arise, Why will not God give us the 
things which he sees us to need without our making peti- 
tion to him and claiming his promises? Undoubtedly 
because we need previously to come into the proper atti- 
tude of heart to receive his favors and to be advantaged 
by them. Even as it is, we may be sure that we do not 
sufficiently appreciate the divine care bestowed upon us 
hitherto and now. Even in the attitude of prayer and 
thanksgiving we probably do not discern one-half of our 
causes for gratitude, as we shall see them by and by, 
when we shall know even as we are known. Z. '03-8. 

FEBRUARY 29. 

God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in 
God, and God in him. 1 J no. 4: 16. 

* * * 

Justice fills the measure full, but love shakes it, presses 
it down, heaps it up and overflows justice. It is there- 
fore something not to be demanded, nor its lack to be 
complained of, but to be gratefully appreciated as a favor 
and to be generously reciprocated. Every one who 
craves it at all should crave it in its highest sense — the 
sense of admiration and reverence. But this sort of love 
is the most costly, and the only way to secure it is to mani- 
fest that nobility of character which calls it forth from 
others who are truly noble. Z. '02-266. 



MARCH 1. 



The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, 
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 
Phil 4:7. 

* jjj * 

It is not our own peace that is here referred to. It is 
the peace of God, — the peace which comes to us from a 
realization of God's power and goodness and willingness 
to hold us by his right hand as his children. The thought 
is that this peace stands guard continually, as a sentinel, 
to challenge every hostile or worrying thought or fear. It 
keeps the Christian's mind so that he at heart has peace 
with the Lord, fellowship, communion ; — and it guards his 
mind also, his reasoning faculties, instructing him and 
assuring him respecting the divine power and wisdom and 
love. Z. '03-8. 

MARCH 2. 

Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are 
honest, . . . think on these things. Phil. 4:8. 

* Jji * 

Whoever sympathizes with falsehood or exaggeration 
is more or less defiling himself. Whoever cleanses his 
thoughts, and avoids exaggeration, etc., is in that degree 
purifying his mind and his entire character. Nor is it 
sufficient that we are sure of the truth of matters. We 
are to test them further, and discern to what extent they 
are honorable, noble ; for, although the Lord has covered 
the ignoble features of our characters, and proposes to 
cover them to the end with his own merit, nevertheless 
we cannot be in sympathy with our fallen condition, but 
on the contrary must desire true nobility and the highest- 
standards of honor in our hearts, in our thoughts, in all 
our dealings with our God and with our fellows. Z. 

03-9. 



MARCH 3. 



Whatsoever things are just, . . . think on these 
things. Phil. 4:8. 

We are not to allow our minds to run along lines that 
would be unjust, and we are to learn to apply this test of 
justice to every thought and word and act of ours, while 
learning at the same time to view the conduct of others 
from a different standpoint ; — so far as reason will permit, 
from the standpoint of mercy, forgiveness, pity, helpful- 
ness. But we cannot be too careful how we criticise 
every thought we entertain, every plan we mature, that 
the lines of justice shall in no sense of the word be in- 
fringed by us with our hearts' approval. Z. '03-9. 

MARCH 4. 

Whatsoever things are pure, lovely, and of good re- 
port, . . . think on these things. Phil. 4 : 8. 

We are to love and cultivate that which is pure to such 
an extent that that which is impure will become painful 
to us, distressing, and we will desire to drop it from 
memory, and this will only be accomplished by continually 
thinking upon those things that are pure, and avoiding 
the giving of thought to the things that are impure. We 
are to recognize true loveliness, and to esteem it. When 
we would think on the purest of things we must of neces- 
sity lift our mental vision to as high a point as possible, 
and, as nearly as we may be able, discern the loveliness of 
the perfect character of our God and of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, and proportionately the loveliness manifested in 
one or another of the followers of Jesus, who walk closely 
in his footsteps. Z. '03-9 . 



MARCH 5. 



If there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, 
think on these things. Phil. 4:8. 

* Jfl 

Things of any virtue or value, things in any degree 
praiseworthy — the noble words or noble deeds or noble 
sentiments of anybody — we may safely meditate upon, 
and as a consequence find ourselves growing toward those 
ideals upon which our minds, our new natures, thus feed. 
We will become more and more transformed by the re- 
newing of our minds, and approach nearer and nearer 
to the glorious likeness of our Lord and Master, being 
changed from glory to glory, inch by inch, step by step, 
little by little, during the present life; and our thoughts 
being in this attitude and our union with the Lord main- 
tained, we shall have part in the First Resurrection, 
which will perfect us forever in the Lord's image and like- 
ness. Z. '03-9. 



MARCH 6. 

I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith 
to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know 
how to abound. Phil. 4: 11, 12. 

if: ;j< 4? 

If we find our experiences in life very checkered we may . 
conclude that the Lord sees that we need both the heights 
and depths of prosperity and adversity to properly in- 
struct us and qualify us for the position he designs for us 
in the future. Let us, then, as the Apostle did, learn how 
to abound, not allowing the abundance of earthly good 
things to swerve us from our consecration vows; and 
learn also how to be in want (need) and yet not to want 
anything beyond what the Lord's wisdom and providence 
see best to give, — to be content. Z. '03-10. 



MARCH 7. 



If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his 
love is perfected in us. i J no. 4: 12. 

* * * 

Whether I am something or nothing in God's estima- 
tion is to be measured by my love for him, for his breth- 
ren, for his cause, for the world in general, and even for 
my enemies, — rather than by my knowledge or fame or 
oratory. 

In the measurement of character, therefore, we are to 
put love first, and to consider it the chief test of our near- 
ness and acceptance to the Lord. 

Those begotten of the holy Spirit should all be good 
tempered. In no way can we better show forth the 
praises of him who hath called us out of darkness into his 
marvelous light than by the exhibition of the spirit of 
love in the daily affairs of life. Z. '03-56, 57. 



MARCH 8. 

God hath set the members every one of them in the 
body , as it hath pleased him. 1 Cor. 12 : 18. 

J«C ifj ;fc 

No member of the body of Christ can say that he has no 
need for another member, and no member may say that 
there is nothing whatever that he can do in the service of 
the body. Under the. guidance of our glorious Head 
each memoer who is filled with his Spirit, and desirous of 
serving him, may do so. When the time for rewards shall 
have come, who knows how much of the usefulness of 
Paul and Apollos may be accredited to some of the 
humble ones, such as Aquila and Priscilla, who in various 
ways ministered to and encouraged and supported their 
abler brethren in the Lord's work. Z. '03-59. 



MARCH 9. 



God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour 
of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye 
have ministered to the saints, and do minister. Heb. 6: 10. 
* * * 

No child of the Lord should be content to let the days 
of the present harvest time go by with their golden op- 
portunities for service and co-operation without seeking 
each day to lift the royal banner himself, and to publicly 
show forth the praises of him who hath called him out of 
darkness into light, or without assisting and co-operating 
with others whom the Lord in his providence has placed 
in more advantageous positions for public service. Z. 
'03-59. 



MARCH 10. 

Exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; 
lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of 
sin. Heb. 3: ij. 

If we realize that a spiritual lethargy has to any extent 
been creeping over us, imperceptibly benumbing our 
spiritual senses, so that the Truth is losing its inspiring 
power upon us, our first duty is to betake ourselves to 
prayer and to communion with God and His Word, that 
its sanctifying power may be realized. Z. '03-54. 

For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the be- 
ginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end. Heb. 
3-14. 



MARCH 11. 



Wherefore seeing we are compassed about with so 
great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, 
and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run 
with patience the race that is set before us. Heb. 12: 1. 
h« ^ ^ 

You that discern the prize of your high calling, and who 
are endeavoring to press along the line toward the mark, 
" gird up the loins of your mind ; " strengthen and fortify 
your purposes and efforts; renew your determination; re- 
double your diligence; cast aside the weights of unneces- 
sary worldly cares; increase your zeal; and, as the 
Apostle urges, run with patience the race set before you. 
Run, not like one who is merely beating the air, but like 
one who has a purpose in view, and who, in desperate 
earnest, is determined to make his calling and election 
sure. Z. '03-54. 



MARCH 12. 

The end of the commandment is love from a pure 
heart and a good conscience, and an undissembled faith. 1 
Tim. 1 : 5. 

* * * 

We are to have clearly before our minds the fact that 
the ultimate object of all the divine dealings for us and 
with us, and the ultimate significance of all the divine 
promises made to us, is the development of love, which is 
god-likeness, for God is love. And to have this love de- 
veloped in us, in the sense and to the degree intended by 
the Lord, it is necessary that it shall come from a pure 
heart, in full accord with the Lord, and his law of love, 
and wholly antagonistic to the Adversary and his law of 
selfishness. Z. '00-360. 



MARCH 13. 



As many, therefore, as are perfect, should be of this 
mind; and if in anything you think differently, God nill re- 
veal this to you; but to what z^e have attained, let us walk 
by the same line. Phil, j: 15-17, Diaglott. 

* * * 

It is indispensable to those who have reached the mark 
of perfect love that they shall keep actively engaged in 
the service of the Lord, laying down their lives for the 
brethren. Such must stand, not only as representatives 
of God and of the principles of righteousness, but as 
representatives of those strong in the Lord, and in the 
power of his might, and in the faith of his Word, — ready 
and willing and efficient in the encouragement of other 
runners in the rate-course, that they likewise may attain 
to the " mark." Z. '01-10. 



MARCH 14. 

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; 
and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. 
Prov. 16: 2,2. 

While anger, in the nature of hatred, malice, strife, 
envy, should be put away by all who are seeking to be 
copies of God's dear Son, anger in the sense of righteous 
indignation against wrong-doing, sin in its various forms, 
is proper; and although it should be used with great 
moderation, backed by love, there are circumstances in 
which it would be wrong not to have righteous anger and 
use it. Z. '96-279 



MARCH 15. 



The just shall live by faith. Heb. 10 ; 38. 
* * * 

It is not enough that, by faith, we receive the first im- 
pulse of life, but, having passed from death unto life, by 
the same. means, we must continue to receive and appro- 
priate spiritual nourishment, that we may grow thereby: 
we must walk by faith, following the leading of the holy 
Spirit through the Word of Truth. 

The life of faith is an individual matter, as well of the 
heart as of the head. It is far more than an acceptance 
of doctrines which we consider scriptural and therefore 
true; it is the assimilation of that which we have proved 
to be the Truth, so that its principles become our princi- 
ples, and its promises our inspiration. Z. '95-92, 93. 



MARCH 16. 

We know that we have passed from death unto life 
because we love the brethren, . . . and we ought to lay 
down our lives for the brethren. 1 J no. 3 : 14, 16. 

* * * 

One of the final and most searching tests of these 
"brethren," and the one under which probably the most 
of those once awakened and armed will fall, will be, — 
love for the brethren. Seemingly many will fail at this 
point and be therefore accounted unworthy of an abun- 
dant entrance to the Kingdom on this score. 

Should any be specially weak and liable to stumble, 
the true soldier of the cross will not despise him, nor revile 
him, even as the elder brother, the Captain, would not do 
so. On the contrary, he will be the more watchful and 
helpful toward the weaker even though he most enjoy 
himself in the company of the stronger. Z. '99-88. 



MARCH 17. 



Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto 
him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath 
shall be given, and he shall have abundance ; but from him 
that hath not, shall be taken away even that which he hath. 
Matt. 25: 28, 29. 

* * * 

Why is the one-talented man chosen as an illustration 
of these talent-burials ? It is to show the responsibility 
of those who have least — that the Lord expects even the 
least of his consecrated people to know of and to use the 
talents he has in his possession, and that he will not hold 
guiltless even those who have the smallest ability to serve 
him and his bretnren and his Truth, and who neglect to 
use it. Z. '01-59. 



MARCH 18. 

Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope 
to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at 
the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Pet. 1 : 13. 

Having " girded up the loins of your mind " for a long, 
steady and determined effort, " be sober ; " do not allow 
yourself to become excited and, under the spur of excite- 
ment, to exhaust all your spiritual vitality in a very short 
time, and then to suffer a relapse into coldness or dis- 
couragement; but thoughtfully to consider and prepare 
for a long and patient endurance of all the discipline and 
trial of faith and patience necessary to prove an over- 
comer and worthy of the blessed reward promised " to 
him that overcometh." The race before us is not one to 
be run by fits and starts, but by "patient continuance in 
well doing." Z. '03-54. 



MARCH 19. 



As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves ac- 
cording to the former lusts in your ignorance ; but as he 
which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner 

of conversation, i Pet. i : 14, 75. 

* . * * 

Some Christians have the erroneous idea that God does 
all the fashioning, and that his children are to be merely 
passive in his hand; but Peter does not so express it. He 
exhorts us to fashion ourselves according to the divine 
instructions. There is work to be done in us and about 
us, and those who are not up and doing, but who passively 
sit and wait for the Lord to work miracles in their behalf, 
are greatly* deceived and are giving the enemy great ad- 
vantage over them, which he will certainly use to bind 
them hand and foot and cast them into outer darkness, 
unless they bestir themselves to work out their own salva- 
tion with fear and trembling. Z. '03-55. 

MARCH 20. 

If ye continue in my Word, then are ye my disciples 
indeed; and ye shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall 

make you free. J no. 8: 31,32. 

* * * 

Divine Truth is never found except in the divinely ap- 
pointed channels : and those channels are the Lord and 
the apostles and prophets. To continue in the doctrine 
set forth in their inspired writings, to study and 
meditate upon them, to trust implicitly in them, and 
faithfully to conform our characters to them, is what is 
implied in continuing in the Word of the Lord. If we 
thus continue in the Word of the Lord, as earnest and 
sincere disciples, we shall indeed " know the Truth ; " we 
shall be " firm in the faith," and " able to give a reason for 
the hope that is in us," to " earnestly contend for the 
faith once delivered to the saints," to " war a good war- 
fare," to " witness a good confession," and firmly to 
" endure hardship as good soldiers of Jesus Christ," even 
unto the end of our course. Z. '03-61. 



MARCH 21. 



Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do 
good to them that hate you, and pray for them which de- 

spitefully use you and persecute you. Matt. 5; 44. 

* * * 

Here is a way to examine the real disposition of your 
own heart toward such. Would you cheerfully do them 
kindness and help them to the extent of your ability to 
see the error of their way and to overcome it? Can you 
tenderly pray for them and patiently bear with their 
weakness, their ignorance and lack of development, and 
try by a noble example to show them a more excellent 
way? If such be the case, then it is the sin that you 
despise, and not the sinner. The sin you should hate, 
but the sinner, never. Not until God's unerring judg- 
ment declares that the sin and the sinner are inseparably 
linked together may love let go its hold upon a brother 
man. Z. '91-141. 

MARCH 22. 

// zee would judge ourselves, zve should not be judged. 
But when we are judged, zve are chastened of the Lord, that 
we should not be condemned with the world. 1 Cor. 
11: 3h 3 2 - 

* * * 

The ascertainment of gains and losses as New Crea- 
tures, and how and when and where these came to us in 
the constant battle with the world, the flesh and the 
devil, will surely profit all who make such reckonings with 
an eye single to the pleasement of the Lord. 

Spiritual Israelites are to live a daily, an hourly life of 
nearness to the High-Priest. The blood of the Everlasting 
Covenant is to be continually invoked for the cleansing of 
the slightest defilement of conscience, that thus the wedding 
garment of our Lord's imputed righteousness may not be- 
come draggled, but that the slightest spot being removed, 
we may have it " without spot or wrinkle or any such 
thing." Z. '03-3, 4. 



I 



I 



! 



i 

I 

j 

i 



MARCH 23. 



Ye endured a great fight of afflictions, partly whilst 
ye were made a gazing-stock, both by reproaches and af- 
flictions, and partly whilst ye became the companions of 
them that were so vised, Heb. 10 : 32, 33. 

The strongest of the brethren need the help, the en- 
couragement, the assistance of others. The Lord has so 
arranged it that we may not feel ourselves entirely self- 
sufficient, and that even our proper leaning upon the Lord 
shall seem to require also the co-operation, encourage- 
ment, sympathy and love of the fellow-laborers in the 
vineyard. Who that has borne any measure of the labor 
and heat of the day in the gospel service cannot sym- 
pathize with this thought? Here, then, is a way in 
which many of the Lord's dear people, who have not them- 
selves the largest amount of talent or opportunity for ser- 
vice, may be co-laborers and assistants in the gospel work. 
Z. '03-40. 

MARCH 24. 

/ will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Heb. 13: 5. 
* * * 

Why, then, should we fear what man may do unto us, 
or be distressed in regard to the Lord's work, as though 
Satan or any other evil power could prevail against it? 
Nevertheless, it is for us to show our devotion, not only 
by our zeal, but also by our prudence, . . . therefore we 
are to proceed in the Lord's work as though the entire 
responsibility rested upon us, but in our hearts are to 
recognize that the entire weight and responsibility rest 
with the Lord. 

Long ago some one said, " I am immortal until my work 
is finished; " and we may rely upon it that this is prac- 
tically true of all engaged in the Lord's service — that 
" Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his 
saints." Z. '03-41. 



MARCH 25. 

Ye therefore, beloved] seeing ye know these things 
before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error 
of the wicked, fall from your steadfastness. But grow in 
grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ. 2 Pet. j: 17,18. 

* * * 

We grow in knowledge as we take note of the promises 
of God, and by faith apply them to ourselves, and seek to 
discern in our lives the fulfilment of those promises; we 
grow in grace simultaneously, for unless each item of 
knowledge be received into a good and honest heart, and 
bring forth its measure of obedience and righteousness 
(grace), we will not be prepared for the next step of 
knowledge, and would thus be stopped, or possibly turned 
back. And as a loss of knowledge would mean a measura- 
ble loss of grace, so also a loss of grace would mean a cor- 
responding loss of knowledge — going into darkness, the 
promises of the Lord's Word becoming more and more 
dim and obscured, in proportion as our goodness or grace 
would be lost in worldliness or sin. Z. '03-70. 

MARCH 26. 

We are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore 
let us not sleep, as do others. 1 Thess. 5: 5,6. 

* * * 

The Christian, as a disciple of the Lord, as a pupil in 
the school of Chirst, is being fitted for a place in the Mil- 
lennial Kingdom — for a share in its glory, honor and im- 
mortality. Hence, we see the necessity for the frequent 
admonitions of the Scripture, that the Lord's people shall 
be awake ; — not of those who slumber ; not of those who 
are idle; not of those who are overcharged with the cares 
of this life; but that they be fervent in spirit, serving the 
Lord. Their service toward the Lord is primarily the 
bringing of themselves into as close harmony with the 
Lord's will, and into as close likeness to the divine pattern 
as possible; and secondly, it is that by precept and ex- 
ample they may help others of the called ones in the same 
narrow way. Z. '03-70. 



MARCH 27. 

I P ra y f or them . . . that they may be one . . . 
that they may be made perfect in one . . . that the world 
may know that thou hast . . . loved them as thou hast 
loved me. J no. 17 : 20-23. 

# # * . 

In amazement we inquire, How can this be? Our Lord 
Jesus was always in perfect harmony with the Father— a 
son who gloriously reflected His likeness; but it has not 
been so with us : we were sinners and had nothing worthy 
of love. Yes, but we have been washed and cleansed, 
and, however imperfect our earthen vessels may still be, 
our hearts are perfect in his sight who is able to read the 
heart. And, as he sees us with a perfect heart — a perfect 
purpose and intention — striving to overcome the weak- 
nesses and disabilities of our imperfect flesh, and with 
painful, yet determined, effort to do his will, and humbly 
trusting in the provisions which he has made for our re- 
demption from the fall, God recognizes in us that which is 
worthy of his love. Z. '03-79. 

MARCH 28. 

Endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 
2 Tim. 2 : 3. 

u The true soldier does not debate his cause. He is 
rightly supposed to have settled upon its justice and 
righteousness before he enlisted to serve it. Thereafter 
he avouches it and defies contradiction of it. He is 
ready to spend all and be all spent in its defense. 

" It is glorious to serve Christ in honesty and in fulness 
of fidelity. There is an ineffable joy in being on the right 
side, in knowing that beyond the field of blood and the 
valley of shadows is an abundant entrance into the joys 
and peace of the triumphant King of kings. For that 
hope none should shrink from the harness of battle, none 
quail before the rage of the enemy, and none tremble be- 
fore the certainty of hunger, thirst, nakedness, wounds or 
death." Z. '03-84. 



MARCH 29. 



By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of 
yourselves : it is the gift of God. Eph. 2: 8. 

* * * 

As members of the fallen race we were incapable of 
doing any work which our holy God could accept. Our 
present standing, therefore, as New Creatures, is not the 
result of anything that the old creature did, or could have 
done. It is not of ourselves; it is the gift of God. This 
lesson must be thoroughly appreciated, else we will be 
continually in danger of falling. ... So far from con- 
sidering the New Creature as an evolution of the old crea- 
ture, the Apostle would have us understand distinctly 
that it is a new and separate creation. We were created 
in Christ Jesus, God's workmanship — prepared for good 
works, but not by good works. Z. '03-90. 

MARCH 30. 

Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, 
what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conver- 
sation and godliness. 2 Pet. j; u. 

* * * 

God-likeness certainly cannot include any harmful 
gossip, any unclean or unholy conversation, any disloyal 
or rebellious words. Let such things be put far away 
from all who name the name of Christ in sincerity and 
truth. And let us remember daily to settle our accounts 
with the Lord, to make sure that no record of idle words, 
unrepented of, and consequently unforgiven, stands 
against us. If daily we render up our accounts to God 
and seek his grace for greater overcoming power with 
each succeeding day, we shall be acquitted in judgment 
and stand approved before God through Christ, having 
the testimony of his holy Spirit with our spirits that we 
are pleasing and acceptable to him. Z. '96-33. 



MARCH 31. 

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, 
whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good 
profession before many witnesses, i Tim. 6:12. 

* * # 

Whether our warfare be of the more public kind or of 
the more private sort, there must be warfare; and, more 
than this, there must be progress and victory, else we can 
never be accepted of the Lord as " overcomers." 

Another thought should be borne in mind by us all. 
The Lord in making his estimate will take knowledge of 
the spirit which actuated us, rather than of the results 
secured by our efforts. In view of this, let us see to it, 
not only that we do with our might what our hands find 
to do, but also that our every sacrifice and gift to the 
Lord and his cause is so full of love and devotion that the 
Lord will surely approve it ; as done from love for him and 
his, and not from vainglory. Z. '03-91. 



APRIL 1. 

Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. 
Mark 14:38. 

* * * 

What may be the character of the temptations, we may 
not clearly discern until they are upon us ; for if we 
knew all about them in advance they would be but slight 
temptations. Watch, therefore, and pray always; for 
the only safe way is to be prepared; because your adver- 
sary, the devil, is seeking whom he may devour. He 
knows your weak points, and is ready to take advantage 
of them. We will each need the graces of the Spirit in our 
hearts, as well as the Lord's " grace to help in time of 
need " if we would overcome. 

" My soul, be on thy guard, 
Ten thousand foes arise; 
The hosts of sin are pressing hard 
To draw thee from the prize." 

Z. '03-119. 



APRIL 2. 



As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good 
unto all men, especially unto them who are of the house- 
hold of faith. Gal. 6: 10. 

jjS =|C * 

The Christian is to be ready to do good at the expense 
of his own time and convenience to all men, but he is to 
be ready to lay down his life for the brethren — he is to 
seek opportunities for laying down his life day after day, 
in the sense of giving his time to the communication of the 
Truth, or helping the Lord's brethren in any manner, to 
put on the whole armor of God, and to stand in the evil 
day. Z. '03-121. 



APRIL 3. 

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us 
therefore cast off the zvorks of darkness, and let us put on 
the armor of light. Rom. 13: 12. 

* * * 

The works of darkness would be any works whatsoever 
that would not stand the fullest investigation; that would 
not stand approval in the light of the new dispensation, 
if it were fully ushered in. Let us remember that we be- 
long to the new dispensation, and not to the old, and 
should, therefore, live in accordance with our citizenship 
and our responsibilities toward the Prince of light and in 
opposition to the prince of darkness, his works and his 
ways. Z. '03-122. 



APRIL 4. 



Let us walk honestly, as in the day. Rom. 13 : 13. 

Each one should see to it that he is honest, not only in 
matters of dollars and cents, but honest in his treatment 
of his neighbors, in his treatment of the brethren, and 
above all, honest in his confessions respecting his God 
and his faith. The test is being made along this line, and 
those who lave the favor of men rather than the favor of 
God, and who dishonestly are willing to confess and pro- 
fess a lie, will be given up to their lie, will be permitted to 
blight their eternal interests, will be proving themselves 
unfit for the Kingdom — whatever else they may ultimate- 
ly become fit for. Z. '03-122. 

APRIL 5. 

My mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: when I 
remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the 
night watches. Psa. 63 : 5, 6. 

* * * 

Prayer is not a privilege merely, but also a necessity; — 
commanded as indispensable to our Christian growth. 
Whoever loses the desire to thank and worship and com- 
mune with the Father of mercies, may rest assured that 
he is losing the very spirit of sonship, and should prompt- 
ly seek and remove the barrier — the world, the flesh or 
the devil. Every additional evidence of the Lord's con- 
fidence in us by the revealing to us of his character and 
plan, so far from diminishing our worship and prayers, 
should multiply them. If our hearts are good soil they 
will bring forth the more abundantly. Z. '96-161. 



APRIL 6. 



// any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be 
ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf, i Pet. 
4 : 16. 

Sickness and discomfort of any sort, incurred by our 
energy in the service of the Truth, are permitted by our 
Father as evidences of our fidelity and love ; because if not 
liable to such tribulations, or if relieved of them instantly 
by a miracle, the Lord's service would cost us no sacrifice 
and the test of our willingness to endure for the Truth's 
sake would be wanting. As it is, however, every ache or 
pain or wound of person or of feelings, and beheading 
socially or literally for the Truth's sake, becomes a witness 
of the spirit, testifying to our faithfulness. And in all 
such tribulations we should rejoice greatly — as say our 
Lord and the Apostle Peter. Z. '96-166. 



APRIL 7. 

My God shall supply all your need according to his 
riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Phil. 4 : 19. 

* * * 

If you have no burning zeal to preach the good tidings 
of great joy, pray earnestly and faithfully and persistent- 
ly for it, and strive for it, and you will soon have it. If 
you have a zeal and love for the gospel, and lack ability to 
present it, pray for the ability while you make full use of 
what you have. If you have the zeal and the ability, and 
lack an opportunity, take it to the Lord in prayer as soon 
as you can, telling him that you are faithfully using all 
the opportunities you have. Then watch for more op- 
portunities, without slacking your hand to use the very 
humblest and smallest within your reach. Z. '96-163. 



APRIL 8. 

// any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleas- 
ure in him. Heb. 10: 38. 

% * * 

The drawing back may at first be a very slight depart- 
ure from the narrow way of sacrifice — only a looking back 
perhaps, with a sigh for the things behind; a little slowing 
up of speed in the race set before us ; then a little disposi- 
tion to compromise the Truth in favor of the cravings of 
the fallen nature. Thus the way is prepared for the arts 
of the Tempter, who is quick to note our weak points, and 
to take advantage of them in a manner best suited to our 
case. Subtle errors are brought to bear against the 
judgment; pleasing allurements, with a show of righteous- 
ness, are presented to the fleshly mind; and, almost im- 
perceptibly, the soul forgets its " first love " for the Lord, 
and its first zeal for his service, and drifts away from the 
Truth and the spirit of it, being no longer led of the holy 
Spirit of God. Z. '95-93. 

APRIL 9. 

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, 
but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 
1 Cor. p : 24. 

* * * 

To gain the victory we must not only put on the armor 
of God, but we must be heroes in the strife, and wage an 
aggressive warfare upon the lusts of the eye and flesh and 
pride of life and all the foes of righteousness and purity. 
Love — love for the Lord, for the Truth and for righteous- 
ness — must inspire us, or we shall never be victors. Love 
alone will keep us faithful even unto death, and make us 
meet for the inheritance of the saints in light. Where 
fervent love rules the heart it implies that the heart is 
fully submitted to the Lord, and that means that nine- 
tenths of the battle is already won. But, even then, as 
the Apostle says (Jude 21), we must keep ourselves in the 
love of God, in watchfulness and prayer and zeal; and 
grace will abound where love abounds. Z. '95-93. 



APRIL 10. 



Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand 
of God, that he may exalt you in due time, i Pet. 5: 6. 
* * * 

It is indeed no easy matter to tread the pathway of 
humility, to continually check the human aspirations and 
to keep the sacrifice on the altar until it is fully consumed. 
But thus it is that we are to work out our own salvation 
to the high calling with fear and trembling, lest we come 
short of worthiness for the prize of the high calling prom- 
ised to the faithful overcomers who tread closely in the 
footsteps of our blessed Forerunner, . . . who was meek 
and lowly of heart. 

It is when we are thus humble and faithful that the 
Lord makes us his chosen vessels to bear his name to 
others. Thus emptied of self, he can fill us with his 
Spirit and with his Truth, and we can go forth strong in 
the Lord of hosts and in his mighty power, to do valiant 
service as soldiers of the cross. Z. '93-7. 



APRIL 11. 

Let us zvalkj . . . not in rioting and drunkenness. 
Rom. 13 : 13. 

* * # 

Some have an intoxication for money, wealth; others 
an intoxication for business ; others for dress ; others for 
music ; others for art ; but as the Lord's people, who have 
got a glimpse of the new day, and the great work of God 
which is to be accomplished in that day, our hearts should 
be so absorbed in the work of God that these matters, 
which would be thought proper enough and right enough 
in others, worldly people — because they are not awake as 
we are, and because they see not the future as we see it — 
should be far from our conception and course. Z. '03-123. 



APRIL 12. 



The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the 
participation of the blood of Christ f The bread which we 
break, is it not the participation of the body of Christ? 

For we being many are one loaf, i Cor. 10: 16, 17. 

* * * 

It is one cup, though it be the juice of many grapes, 
even as it is one loaf, though it be from many grains. The 
grains cannot maintain their individuality and their own 
life if they would become bread for others ; the grapes can- 
not maintain themselves as grapes if they would consti- 
tute the life-giving spirit; and thus we see the beauty of 
the Apostle's statement that the Lord's people are par- 
ticipants in the one loaf and cup. There is no other way 
that we can attain the new nature than by accepting the 
Lord's invitation to drink of his cup, and be broken with 
him as members of the one loaf, and to be buried with 
him in baptism into his death, and thus to attain with him 
resurrection glory, honor and immortality. Z. '01-76. 

APRIL 13. 

Except ye eat of the -flesh of the Son of man, and 
drink his blood, ye have no life in you. J no. 6: 55. 

* * * 

Gladly, dear Lord, we eat (appropriate to our neces- 
sities) the merit of thy pare nature sacrificed for us — for 
our justification. Gladly, too, we will partake of the cup 
of suffering with thee, realizing it to be a blessed privilege 
to suffer with thee, that in due time we may also reign 
with thee; — to be dead with thee, that in the everlasting 
future we may live with thee, and be like thee and share 
thy love and thy glory as thy Bride. Oh ! that we may be 
faithful, not only in the performance of the symbol, but 
also of the reality. Blessed Lord, we hear thy Word say- 
ing, " Ye shall indeed drink of my cup and be baptized 
with my baptism." Lord, we are not of ourselves able 
thus to sacrifice; but thy grace is sufficient for us, for we 
are wholly thine, now and forever. Z. '99-51. 



APRIL 14. 



He hath poured out his soul unto death; and he was 
numbered with the transgressors. Isa. 53: 12. 

* * * 

As every one who follows the Master's footsteps must 
needs have some Gethsemane experiences, so also each 
must have a taste at least of all the Master's experiences. 
Let us not forget, then, to look about us for opportunities 
for serving the M brethren," the " little ones," the mem- 
bers of the body of Christ. Let each be careful not to add 
to the reproaches that must fall upon all the followers of 
the Lamb, but on the contrary to offer words of sym- 
pathy, and to help bear each other's crosses, difficulties 
and trials by the way. Thus can we best show to our 
Lord and Head how we would have appreciated the op- 
portunity of helping him bear his cross on the way to 
Calvary. Z. '99-125. 

APRIL 15. 

Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. Luke 
23:46. 

With full confidence our dear Redeemer looked up to 
the Father, and full of faith declared that he committed 
all of life and all of the blessed hopes for the future to the 
Father's love and to the Father's power, — to be provided 
in harmony with the Father's plan and Word. And so 
must we, as followers in our Master's footsteps, look for- 
ward with faith, and in our dying hour commit all our 
interests to the keeping of him who has manifested his 
love for us, not only in the gift of his Son as our Re- 
deemer, but all our journey through, — in his providential 
care, as well as in the exceeding great and precious prom- 
ises which go before us and give us strength, comfort and 
assurance. Z. '99-128. 



APRIL 16. 

They shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that 
day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them as a 
man spareth his own son that serveth him, Mai. 3: 27. 
* # * 

Had the Lord sent us forth to seek his Bride, we might 
have gathered in some whom he rejects as unworthy — be- 
cause we are unable to read the heart. This thought 
should make us very humble, gentle and meek toward 
all, and very trustful of the Lord, and very much inclined 
to look for his leading in respect to our labors as his ser- 
vants, just as Samuel looked to the Lord in connection 
with the anointing of David. Z. '03-223. 



APRIL 17. 

The anointing which ye have received of him abideth 
in you. 1 J no. 2: 27. 

* * * 

The blessing and power of the Lord accompanied 
David's anointing in some manner — just how we may not 
understand — enabling him to progress in knowledge, etc., 
and fitting and preparing him for the duties of the office 
to which he had been anointed. May we not consider as 
an antitype to this, the anointing which comes upon the 
Church from the time of her acceptance with the Lord? 
Ours is not a physical anointing, nor are the blessings 
conferred of a temporal character : it is as New Creatures 
that we grow in grace and knowledge and love; and as 
New Creatures that, by and by, we shall be perfected in 
the First Resurrection and come to the throne with our 
Lord and Master as our Head. Z. '03-223. 



APRIL 18. 

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery 
trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing 
happened unto you. But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are 
made partakers of Christ's sufferings; that when his glory 
shall be revealed, ye may he glad also with exceeding joy. 
i Pet. 4: 12, 13. 

In an unfriendly world we can expect to receive only 
the reproaches of our Master, for the servant is not above 
his Lord. The world, the flesh and the devil oppose our 
way: there are fightings within and fears without, and 
many are the arrows and fiery darts aimed at the right- 
eous. But what is the safe attitude of the soul under af- 
flictions and severe testings? Is it not in silence before 
God, waiting and watching first to see his leading, his 
will, in every matter before presuming to touch things 
that often involve so much? So the Psalmist suggests, 
saying, " I was dumb with silence : I held my peace, even 
from good " [even from doing or saying what seemed 
good in my own sight]. Z. '96-31. 

APRIL 19. 

Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speak- 
eth. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart 
bringeth forth good things; and an evil man out of the evil 
treasure bringeth forth evil things. Matt. 12: 34, 35. 
* * * 

Our first concern, then, should be for the heart — that 
its affections and dispositions may be fully under the con- 
trol of divine grace; that every principle of truth and 
righteousness may be enthroned there; that justice, 
mercy, benevolence, brotherly kindness, love, faith, 
meekness, temperance, supreme reverence for God and 
Christ, and a fervent love for all the beauties of holiness, 
may be firmly fixed as the governing principles of life. If 
these principles be fixed, established, in the heart, then 
out of the good treasure of the heart the mouth will speak 
forth words of truth, soberness, wisdom and grace. Z. 
96-30. 



APRIL 20. 



He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful 
also in much. Luke 16 : 10. 

* * # 

This does not mean that the Lord's people are to be con- 
tent with the usual routine of daily life in the home or 
in the shop, and are to say to themselves, " God accepts 
my labor as though it were given directly to him in some 
other more desirable form," but it does mean that each 
person so situated should day by day carefully scan his 
earthly duties and obligations to see in what manner he 
could justly and properly cut off moments, hours or days 
from the service of earthly things and earthly interests, 
that now might be given to sacrifice for spiritual things 
and spiritual interests of himself or others. The conse- 
crated heart, the sacrificing priest, is the one who will im- 
prove the moments as they swiftly fly, using them as far 
as possible in the Father's business. Z. '03-407. 

APRIL 21. 

We have not an high priest which cannot be touched 
with the feeling of our infirmities ; but was tempted in all 
points like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore 
come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain 
mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Heb.4: 15, 16. 

* * * 

In the moment of temptation the heart should lift itself 
to the great Master, in full assurance of faith, recognizing 
his love, his wisdom and his ability to help us, and his 
willingness to make all things work together for good to 
those who love him. Asking for assistance in such a time 
of need would surely draw to us the Lord's counsel and 
help and strength for righteousness, truth, purity and 
love ; and thus we should be hourly victorious, daily vic- 
torious, and finally victorious. Z. '98-23. 



APRIL 22. 

/ say unto you, That every idle [unprofitable or per- 
nicious] word that men shall speak, they shall give an ac- 
count thereof in the day of judgment. Matt. 12: 36. 
* * * 

If, in the daily scrutiny of our ways, which is the duty 
of every Christian, we discover that in any particular our 
words have been dishonoring to the Lord, we should 
remember that in the name of our Advocate we may ap- 
proach the throne of grace, explain to .our Heavenly 
Father our realization of the error, our deep regret at our 
failure to honor his name and his cause by a holy walk 
and conversation, and humbly request that the sin be not 
laid to our charge, but that it may be blotted out through 
his gracious provision for our cleansing through Christ, 
humbly claiming that in his precious blood is all our hope 
and trust. Thus we should render up our account for 
every idle word ; and by our words of repentance, supple- 
mented by the merits of Christ applied by faith, shall we 
be acquitted. Z. '96-32. 

APRIL 23. 

That on the good ground are they, which in an hon- 
est and good heart, having heard the Word, keep it, and 
bring forth fruit with patience. Luke 8: 15. 

^ >fc >fc 

Every one who will be a sacrificer must of necessity be 
meek, humble, teachable, else very shortly he will get out 
of the way. He must also learn to develop the grace of 
the Lord along the line of patience, because it certainly 
requires patience to deny ourselves and to submit at 
times to injustice where there is no proper means of avoid- 
ing it without doing injury to the Lord's cause or to some 
of his people. It also implies a cultivation of brotherly 
kindness and, in a word, the development of the whole 
will of God in our hearts and lives; namely, love, which 
must be attained in a large and overcoming measure ere 
we shall have completed our earthly work of sacrificing. 
Z. '03-408. 

m 



APRIL 24. 



Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good 
to edification. Rom. 15:2. 

* * H« 

The lesson to each member of the Royal Priesthood is 
that the special mission of their office, vocation, calling in 
the present time, is to sacrifice. . . . One form of service 
frequently not discerned by the Royal Priesthood is the 
opportunity of renouncing our own ways or plans, our 
own methods or preferences, and in the interests of peace 
accepting instead the plans, the preferences of others — 
where it is merely a matter of personal preference, and 
where we believe the Lord will be as willing to have the 
matter one way as another. We can in the interests of 
peace sacrifice our preferences to the wishes of others if 
we see some good can be gained by such a course. Z. 
'03-406, 407. 

APRIL 25. 

Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he 
that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a 
rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Heb. 11:6. 

* * * 

" According to thy faith be it unto thee/' would seem 
to be the Lord's method of dealing with all who are his 
disciples, from first to last of their Christian walk and 
experience. Faith when he seems not to notice us ; faith 
when things seem to be going prosperously with us in our 
spiritual affairs and in our temporal affairs; and faith 
equally strong when the currents and forces seem all to be 
against us. 

The victory that overcometh the world is the faith that 
in all conditions is able to look up to the Lord with abso- 
lute confidence in his goodness and faithfulness, and to 
realize that, according to his promise, eventually all things 
will work together for good to us because we are his peo- 
ple. Z. '00-139. 



APRIL 26. 



He that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased 
from his own works, as God did from his. Heb. 4: 10. 
* * * 

Instead of demanding one day of the seven the law of 
love really controls, regulates our entire time ; seven days 
of the week we are to love the Lord our God with all our 
heart, mind, soul and strength ; and seven days of the 
week we are to love our neighbor as ourselves; and seven 
days in the week we are to rest also — rest from our own 
works — rest by faith in the finished work of Christ — rest 
in the love of God — rest in the peace of God which pass- 
eth understanding, ruling in our hearts continually. Z. 
'02-205. 



APRIL 27. 

Let, this mind be in you, which was also in Christ 
Jesus. Phil 2:5. 

>k ^ sjf 

To have the mind of Chirst is indeed the one require- 
ment of lawful striving — a mind which humbly and faith- 
fully submits itself to the will of God as expressed in his- 
great plan of the ages, and which devotes all energy to the 
accomplishment of his will, because of an intelligent ap- 
preciation of the ends he has in view. 

If so filled with the same mind that was in Christ 
Jesus, we, like him, will desire to be as free as possible 
from entangling earthly affairs, and to have our time as 
free as possible for the Lord's service, and then to de- 
vote all energy, ability and effort to that service. Z. 
'02-265. 



APRIL 28. 



We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribula- 
tion worketh patience; and patience, experience ; and ex- 
perience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed, because the 
love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy Spirit 
which is given unto us. Rom. 5: j-5. 

* * * 

We have need of patience, and that can only be gained 
by trials. We have need of faith, and that can only be 
developed by necessities. We have need of experience 
for our future work, which can be gained only by such 
experiences, which permit us to be touched with a feeling 
of the infirmities and difficulties and trials of those about 
us, to whom we shall be ministers and representatives 
when we reach the throne. For us, then, the lesson of 
present experiences is to resist evil, — and not with evil 
but with good. Z. '03-348. 

, APRIL 29. 

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will 
be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour 
him. Psa. 91 : 15. 

* * # 

It is always our blessed privilege to carry our sorrows 
and vexations to the Lord; 

" For he knows 
How to steal the bitter from life's woes." 
He does it by showing us, through experience, the vanity 
of all earthly things and their utter inability to satisfy the 
soul's cravings, or to comfort the wounded spirit. Then 
comes the thought that however vexing- our experiences, 
they will soon be over; and if we permit them to do so 
they will only work out in us the peaceable fruits of 
righteousness, and develop in us strong and noble charac- 
ters, disciplined to thorough self-control, thoughtful con- 
sideration, patient endurance of affliction and loving 
loyalty and faithfulness and trust in God. Z. '96-31. 



APRIL 30. 



Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an 
holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth 
the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness 
into his marvellous light, i Pet. 2:0. 

The very object of our being called into this light is 
that we may let it shine. If we do not let it shine we are 
unworthy of it, and the treasure will be taken away and 
we will be left in darkness. If indeed we have received 
the light and have consecrated ourselves fully to God, let 
us ask ourselves, What am I doing to show forth the 
praises of him who hath called me out of darkness ? Am 
I going forth with these tidings to my neighbors near and 
far? 

Can I truly affirm that I am: — 

" All for Jesus, all for Jesus — 

All my being's ransomed powers ; 
All my thoughts, and words, and doings, 
All my days and all my hours ? " 

Z. '03-165. 



MAY 1. 

The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but 
to minister. Matt. 20: 28. 

* * * 

If the consecration be to the Lord, then every sacrifice 
of our just rights and interests on behalf of ourselves as 
New Creatures, on behalf of husband or children, father 
or mother, neighbors or friends, brethren in Christ, is 
counted of the Lord as so much done to him; whereas if 
the very same services were rendered from any other 
standpoint — by any one unjustified, and not consecrated 
to the Lord, or merely done to the individuals and not as 
a sacrifice unto the Lord — these things would not count 
to us as priests, as our sacrifices. Z. '03-407. 



MAY 2. 



All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer 
persecution. 2 Tim. 3 : 12. 

* * * 

Opposition is to be expected, and will, doubtless, con- 
tinue until we finish our course in death. To submit 
patiently to this opposition is to sacrifice our own natural 
preferences for the friendship and the pleasures of the 
present life, and to endure hardness as good soldiers for 
the Truth's sake, in whatever shape that hardness may 
come, in our effort to do the Lord's will and work of ad- 
vancing the interests of his Kingdom. 

To be really in the Lord's service involves, first, the 
careful and continual study of God's plan; second, the 
imbibing of its spirit; leading, thirdly, to an enthusiastic 
zeal for its accomplishment, and to activity to the extent 
of ability in its service, at whatever cost or sacrifice it may 
require. Z. '03-164, 165. 

MAY 3. 

Strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, 
even those zvho by reason of use have their senses exer- 
cised to discern both good and evil. Heb. 5: 14. 

Those who have real and sincere faith in God are will- 
ing to take him at his word ; and with these the first prin- 
ciples of the doctrine should long ago have been estab- 
lished; much of the superstructure of gold and silver and 
precious stones should already be erected, and the work 
be steadily progressing. Such are able, if they are loyal 
and true to God, to discern between truth and error. W e 
ought to know what we believe and why we believe it, and 
then should be bold and uncompromising in declaring it; 
for " if the trumpet give an uncertain sound who shall 
prepare himself to the battle?" Z. '03-167. 



MAY 4. 

The Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on 
the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart, 
i Sam. 16: y. 

* * 4 

If we lose sight of the fact that God regards us from the 
standpoint of the will, if we get to thinking of ourselves 
and God's estimate of us according to the flesh, we are 
sure to get proportionately into darkness and confusion 
and discouragement. But let us not forget, on the other 
hand, that the spirit, or will, is counted alive because of 
its righteousness, because it is in harmony with God. 
Let us, therefore, never be slack in respect to the will, or 
intention governing the conduct of our lives, but remem- 
ber that any laxity will mean the proportionate loss of 
spiritual life. To will right is always possible to us, and 
nothing less than an absolutely loyal will could be accepta- 
ble to God in Christ. Z. '03-171. 

MAY 5. 

// ye through the spirit, do mortify the deeds of the 
body, ye shall live. Rom. 8: /?. 

♦ ♦ - # 

The conditions upon which we may continue our rela- 
tionship to the Lord, and our hope for a share in the 
glories of the First Resurrection are thus definitely stated 
to include mortification of the deeds of the body — restrain- 
ing the fleshly inclinations, putting them to death, crucify- 
ing them, using them up in the service of the Lord and his 
cause. Such mortification of the deeds of the body, such a 
battle against the weaknesses of the flesh, is what the. 
Apostle elsewhere speaks of as the " warfare," when he 
tells us that the flesh warreth against the spirit, and the 
spirit in turn warreth against the flesh, for the two are 
contrary, and will be opponents to the end of life ; and if 
the spirit has been willing, and has fought to the best of 
its ability against the weaknesses of the flesh, the Lord 
will count the victory complete, through th£ merit of the 
Redeemer. Z. '03-172. 



MAY 6. 



As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are 
the sons of God. Rom. 8: 14. . t • 

jje jJ: sfs 

This, then, is the guide by which we may know our 
true position, not only at the beginning of the race, but to 
the end of it, viz., if we are led by the Spirit of God — if 
that is the direction in which we are following, if that is 
what we are seeking — then we are sons of God; he owns 
and accepts all who have come unto him through Christ, 
and who are trusting in the merit of the wedding garment,, 
and who continue in this attitude of heart. Z. '03-173. 



MAY 7. 

Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel. 1 Cor. 

9 : 16. 

5js * * 

We should be prompt to tell to others the best tidings 
we have; sympathy with the groaning creation in the 
various trials of life should lead us to point to the Lord's 
promises respecting the coming Kingdom and the bless- 
ings that should then be to all the families of the earth. 
Whoever does not thus proclaim daily, on every suitable 
opportunity, gives evidence either of lack of knowledge or 
of faith in the revelation or of selfishness, which the Lord 
cannot approve, and which, persisted in, will ultimately 
debar him from a share in the Kingdom. Z. '03-1 74. 



MAY 8. 



And this is the promise which he hath promised us, 
even eternal life, i J no. 2:25. 

* * * 

We all should understand that we have something to 
do in realizing the gracious promises of God to us. In 
connection with the affairs of this present life he has 
promised that our bread and water shall be sure, but this 
does not imply that we shall neglect reasonable oppor- 
tunities for securing these. He has promised us also a 
share in the Kingdom by and by; but it is for us to make 
our calling and election sure. God is thoroughly capable 
and thoroughly willing to perform all of his part in con- 
nection with every matter, but it is to our advantage that 
he calls us to show our faith by our works — by our co- 
operation with him in all reasonable ways. Z. '03-175. 

MAY 9. 

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, 
so walk ye in him; rooted and built up in him, and estab- 
lished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding 
therein with thanksgiving. Col. 2 : 6, 7. 

* * * 

The general sentiment among the teachers of false doc- 
trine, who think it is neither necessary nor advisable to be 
established in the faith is . . . that to be established is to 
be a bigot. And so it is if one is so unfair in mind as to 
accept and tenaciously hold that which he has never 
proved either by sound logic or Bible authority. But he 
is not an unreasoning bigot who, in simple faith, on the 
authority of God, accepts the Word of God. And such, 
and only such, as do so are established in the Truth. The 
difference between a strong and steadfast Christian and a 
bigot is that the one is established in the Truth, while the 
other is established in error. Z. '03-199. 



MAY 10. 



Thou anoint est my head with oil, my cup runneth 
over. Psa. 23: 5. 

* * * 

The fulness of the cup, running over, has a double 
significance. It is a cup of joy and a cup of sorrow, and 
in both respects it overflows. He who would partake of 
the joys of the Lord must also partake of his cup of 
suffering; we must suffer with him if we would reign 
with him. But we count the sufferings of this present 
time as not worthy to be compared with the glories that 
shall be revealed in us, and hence we are enabled to re- 
joice in tribulation, so that as the tribualtions will over- 
flow the rejoicing likewise overflows, and with the Apostle 
we can say, Rejoice, and again I say rejoice! Z. '03-413. 



MAY 11. 

For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are 
counted as sheep for the slaughter. Psa. 44: 22. 

sjs Jfc ifc 

We are to remember that we have each but one sacri- 
fice; that it is to be rendered to the Lord day by day in 
the improvement of every opportunity, as it comes to us, 
to serve him and his. We are to remember that while it 
consists of many little sacrifices, some of them too small 
to mention or even to consider, nevertheless it will require 
all of these to complete the one sacrifice which we made at 
the beginning of our induction into his family. When we 
gave our wills, we gave our all ; and any holding back in 
any of the little affairs of life — any refusal to sacrifice 
that which we think would please the Lord — is a keeping 
back of that much of what we have devoted to him. Z. 
03-408. 



MAY 12. 



Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let 
us cleanse ourselves from all Ulthiness of the flesh and 
spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord, 2 Cor. 
7:1. 

* * * 

How many of the prospective members of the Royal 
Priesthood find that they have defilements along this line, 
malice, guile, hypocrisy, envy, evil speaking ! It is safe 
to say that every one has some, if not all, of these weak- 
nesses in the flesh to contend with — especially at the be- 
ginning of his entrance upon the priestly vocation. How 
carefully all should seek to put all these away ! how each 
should scrutinize not only every act of life and every 
word and every thought, but, additionally, every motive 
underlying his words, thoughts and actions, so that they 
may be more and more purified from the earth defile- 
ments and be more and more acceptable to the Lord! 
Z. '03-408. 



MAY 13. 

Behold to obey is better than sacrifice , and to hearken 
than the fat of rams. 1 Sam. 15: 22. 

* * * 

Our heavenly Father wishes us to be very attentive to 
his Word, and not to think for a moment that we can im- 
prove thereon, or that times and circumstances will alter 
the propriety of our obedience to him. Let us hearken to 
the Word of the Lord and keep close to it, not fearing the 
results, but having faith that he who keeps us never slum- 
bers nor sleeps, and is too wise to err, as well as com- 
petent to meet every emergency that could possibly come 
upon us as a result of our obedience. Z. '03-218, 219. 



MAY 14. 



Speaking the truth in love, . . . grow up into him 
in all things, which is the head, even Christ. Eph. 4 : 15. 

What is it to grow in grace? It is to grow in favor 
with the Lord through an intimate personal acquaintance 
and fellowship of spirit with him. . . . To grow thus in 
grace and not grow in knowledge is impossible; for the 
very object of such communion is to build us up in a more 
perfect knowledge and acquaintance with the Lord — to 
bring us into closer fellowship with the divine plan, and to 
give us the privilege of being " workers together with 
him " in executing that plan. If, therefore, we love and 
obey the Lord and desire to grow in his favor, his written 
Word is our daily meditation and study ; and thus we grow 
in knowledge. Z. '03-200. 



MAY 15. 

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall 
fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and 
the fields shall yield no meat: the flock shall be cut off 
from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet 
I will rejoice in the Lord, I zvill joy in the God of my sal- 
vation. Hab. 3: 17, 18. 

* * * 

AYe see that God permits evil in the world that the 
world may learn certain lessons of bitter experience as to 
the natural rewards of evil doing, but we see also a minis- 
try of evil in respect to the saints — in their testing and 
polishing and refining; making them ready, and proving 
them worthy, as overcomers, to inherit the wonderful 
things which God has in reservation for the faithful. Z. 
'03-94. 



MAY 16. 



Thou shalt be called by a new name, . . . thou shalt 
also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a 
royal diadem in the hand of thy God. Isa. 62: 2,3. 

* * * 

Let us never forget that we are a " peculiar people/' 
separate from the great body of nominal Christians, as 
well as from the world, having higher hopes, aims and am- 
bitions and favored with a clearer insight into the deep 
things of God, having been called out of our former dark- 
ness into his marvelous light. And if thus separate from 
the world and from Christians who partake largely of the 
worldly spirit, what wonder if we find them all out of har- 
mony with us, and either ignoring or opposing us. Z. 
'03-164. 

MAY 17. 

They shall put you out of the synagogues : yea, the 
time cometh that whosoever killeth you will think that he 
doetJi God service. Jno. 16: 2. 

The persecutions of today are more refined than in any 
previous period. The faithful today are not stoned with 
literal stones or shot with literal arrows or literally be- 
headed, but it is still true that the wicked shoot out 
arrows at the righteous, " even bitter words," and many 
because of faithfulness are reproved and slandered and 
cut off from fellowship — " beheaded for the testimony of 
Jesus." Let all such emulate Stephen, the first Christian 
martyr. Let their testimonies be given with radiant 
faces like his. Let their eyes of faith perceive Jesus at 
the right hand of the majesty on high as their Advocate 
and Deliverer. Let their words be with moderation as 
were Stephen's, and let it be true of them, as written of 
him, " full of grace and power M and " filled with the holy 
Spirit." Z. '97-57. 



MAY 18. 



We which have believed do enter into rest. Heb. 

4' 3- 

* * * 

Our rest in the Lord is as complete as is our belief in 
him. He who believes fully rests fully; he who believes 
only partially rests but partially. The ideal condition of 
the spiritual Israelite is the attainment of a perfect rest, a 
perfect Sabbath-keeping, in his present experience, and a 
waiting and laboring for another and still more complete 
rest — the „ actual rest of the perfected condition — the rest 
that remains for the people of God. " Let us therefore 
labor to enter into that rest [Sabbath], lest any man fall 
after the same example of unbelief" [of fleshly Israel], — 
Heb. 4-9- 11 - z - '99- 2 53- 



MAY 19. 

We that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of 
the weak j and not to please ourselves. Rom. 15: 1. 

~i h\ v$ ^fHiT' % Jtefrtwiar '..y£ C)'<3. Uw r :$l-tm 'Y'av.v^f'tvA .v»$?ta%$4$ 
Principles may never be abandoned for any considera- 
tion; but liberties and personal rights may be ignored in 
the interest of others frequently and to divine pleasing. 
The Apostle Paul was ready to go to any length in defense 
of principle (Gal. 2:5,11), but in the sacrifice of his 
earthly rights and privileges and liberties for the sake of 
Christ and the Church the Apostle evidently came next to 
our Lord Jesus, and is a noble example to all the Church. 
Z. '97-75- 



MAY 20. 



A peculiar people, zealous of good works. Titus 

2:14. 

* * * 

A, " peculiar people," — not peculiar in dress, nor in 
manners, nor in language, nor in foolish, senseless forms 
and idiosyncracies ; but peculiar in that it is separate 
from the world and the spirit of the world. It has the 
Spirit of Christ — a spirit of full consecration to the Lord, 
and separateness from the world and its selfish aims. It 
is peculiar in its adherence to the Word of the Lord as its 
only law. It is peculiar in that it rejects worldly wisdom 
when it conflicts with the divine revelation. It is pecu- 
liar in that it is in the world, but not of the world. It is 
peculiar in that it has a decided faith and acts in harmony 
with its faith, and with zeal. It is peculiar in that it is 
self-sacrificing and knows no will but the will of its King. 
It is peculiar in that it knows the Truth and is able to give 
a reason for the hope within, while others merely specu- 
late and wonder and doubt. Z. '97-95. 

MAY 21. 

All Scripture, given by inspiration of God, is profit- 
able for doctrine, for reproof , for correction, for instruction 
in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thor- 
oughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Tim. 5: 16, 17. 

* # * 

It will be well for us all to remember that all the graces 
of the Spirit, all the progress in the knowledge of divine 
things to which we have already attained, that may have 
helped us nearer to God and to holiness, have come to us 
through the Scriptures of the Old Testament and through 
the words of our Lord and his inspired apostles : nor will 
it ever be necessary to go to other channels for the true 
wisdom which would prepare us for the salvation prom- 
ised. Z. '97-170. 



MAY 22. 



God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power 
and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Tim. 1 : 7. 

* * * 

The spirit of the Lord imparted to his people is not a 
spirit of fear, but on the contrary a spirit of power, 
energy, zeal awakened by love; — loving devotion to God, 
and a desire to please and serve him; loving devotion to 
the Truth, and a loving devotion to God's people and a de- 
sire to build them up in holy things, and to clo good unto 
all men as we have opportunity, — the spirit of a " sound 
mind : " — a mind that is fortified and strengthened by the 
Word of the Lord on every subject, and hence, while 
thoroughly fearless of man, is wise in judging of times, 
seasons and methods for using the energy of love which 
burns as a fire within the consecrated heart. Z. '97-170. 



MAY 23. 

Ye also ought to wash one another's feet. Jno. 
13:14. 

* * * 

This would signify that the members of Christ's body 
should have a mutual watch-care over one another's wel- 
fare; to keep each other clean, holy, pure, and to assist 
one another in overcoming the trials and temptations and 
besetments of this present evil world, arising from the 
three sources of temptation, " the world, the flesh and the 
devil." Only as we cultivate the various graces of the 
spirit, — meekness, patience, gentleness, brotherly-kind- 
ness, love — can we hope to be specially helpful to others in 
putting on these adornments of character and purities of 
life, and to get rid of defilements of the world, and the 
flesh. Z. '97-243. 



MAY 24. 

Love . . . is not easily provoked, i Cor. 13: 5. 

* * * 

However, natural depravity, and heredity, and nervous 
disorders, may tend toward the spirit of fretfulness, taci- 
turnity, and touchiness, every heart filled with the Lord's 
Spirit must oppose this disposition to evil in his flesh, and 
must wage a good warfare against it. It will not do to 
say, " It is my way ; " for all the ways of the fallen nature 
are bad: it is the business of the new nature to overcome 
the old nature in this as w r ell as other works of the flesh 
and the devil : and few show to our friends and households 
more than this of the power of the grace of Love. This 
grace as it grows should make every child of God sweet- 
tempered. Z. '97-247. 

MAY 25. 

Be not overcome of evil. Rom. 12: 21. 

* * * 

We are never to take up or to use evil words or methods 
or manners. To do so is temporarily to join the enemy, 
or to admit that his implements and methods are better 
than those of the Captain to whom we belong. To an- 
swer anger with anger, evil report with evil report, bitter 
words with bitter words, slander with slander, persecu- 
tion with persecution, blow with blow, or any of these, 
would be to endeavor to overcome evil with evil. This, 
which is natural to our fallen natures, is what we are com- 
manded to avoid, that we may the more thoroughly culti- 
vate the new nature. To be misled by the Adversary to 
use his methods in any of these ways is to be overcome of 
evil. Z. '<)j-26j. 



MAY 26. 



Knowledge puffeth up, but Love buildeth up. i Cor. 

8: i. 

* * * 

All who seek to teach the divine plan to others are ex- 
posed to peculiar temptations, so that the honor of serv- 
ing the Lord and his people demands a correspondingly 
larger measure of the graces of the holy Spirit, as well as 
of knowledge. Whoever, therefore, would be an instructor 
of others, a mouth-piece of the Lord, should clutivate all 
the various graces of the holy Spirit, including meekness ; 
that these combined (Love) with knowledge, may build 
up himself as well as build up those to whom he ministers. 

z. '97-277. 



MAY 27. 

In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better 
than themselves. Phil. 2 : 3. 

* * * 

Paul exhorts that all shall cultivate the grace of humil- 
ity, and that in every affair each shall take heed that 
" nothing be done through strife or vain glory," that self- 
laudation and strivings for pre-eminence be thoroughly 
put away as the greatest enemies to the Spirit of the Lord 
and the blessing of the Church. On the contrary, each 
should have that lowliness of mind which can see the good 
qualities of fellow-members and appreciate some of these 
qualities at least as superior to his own. All the talents, 
and all the abilities, need never be expected in any one 
person in any congregation. So, then, each may, if he be 
of lowly mind, see in others certain good qualities or 
graces superior to his own, and should delight to recognize 
these and to esteem their possessor accordingly. Z. 
'97-296. 



MAY 28. 

Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, 
whilst zve are at home in the body [so long as we feel en- 
tirely contented with present conditions— ourselves and our 
surroundings'], zve are absent from the Lord. 2 Cor. 5: 6. 

If we were living near to him, " walking with God," we 
would not feel perfectly satisfied with present attainments, 
conditions, etc. ; but would feel like pilgrims and strangers, 
seeking a better rest, a better home, " which God hath in 
reservation for them that love him." But this, as the 
Apostle explains (verse 7), is true only of those who walk 
by faith and not by sight. " But we are confident [full of 
faith toward God, we rejoice to walk by faith], and are 
well pleased rather to be from home [homeless, pilgrims 
and strangers on the earth], and to be at home with the 
Lord " in the spirit of our fellowship. Z. '97-305. 

MAY 29. 

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: 
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 
J no. 14: 27. 

* * * 

The more we overcome the world, the flesh and the 
devil, the more we seek to do the will of our Father who 
is in heaven, the more we seek for the fellowship and com- 
munion of our dear Redeemer, the more we seek to do 
those things which are pleasing in His sight, so much the 
more will we have of the joy and peace which no man 
taketh from us, and which trials, difficulties and persecu- 
tions can only make the more sweet and precious. Z. 
'97-306. 

" Ye now therefore have sorrow ; but I will see you again, 
and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh 
from you." Jno. 16 : 22. 



1 



I 



MAY 30, 



Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation. Rom. 
12: 12. 

Here is an important part of the great battle of the 
Christian's life. He must fight the natural tendencies, of 
the old nature and confidently anticipate the victory in 
the strength of the great Captain of his Salvation. He 
must not succumb to the flattering and deceptive influ- 
ences of prosperity, nor faint under the burdens of adver- 
sity. He must not allow the trials of life to sour and 
harden his disposition, to make him morose, or surly, or 
bitter, or unkind. Nor may he allow pride or ostentation 
or self-righteousness to grow and feed upon the temporal 
good things which the Lord's providence has granted him 
to test his faithfulness as a steward. Z. '95-20. 

MAY 31. 

It is good neither to eat flesh nor to drink wine, nor 
anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended or 
is made weak. Rom. 14: 21. 

It is a very serious crime against the law of love and 
against the Lord's injunction, to cause one of his brethren 
to stumble (Matt. 18: 6), but it would also be a crime in 
his sight for us to stumble others, — to hinder them from 
becoming brethren, and of the household of faith. Hence, 
it is clear that although knowledge might remove all pro- 
hibition of our consciences and all restraints of our liber- 
ty, yet love must first come in and approve the liberty be- 
fore we can exercise it. Love places a firm command 
upon us, saying, — Thou shalt love the Lord with all thine 
heart, and thy neighbor as thyself. Love, therefore, and 
not knowledge, not liberty, must finally decide every 
question. Z. '03-43. 



JUNE 1. 



He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, 
he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be 
loved of my Father, and I will love him, and, will manifest 
myself to him. Jno. 14: 21. 

* * * 

May this intimate communion and fellowship with 
Christ impart to us each more and more of his own 
spirit, so that the world may take knowledge of us, that 
we have " been with Jesus ; 93 and let the prayer of each be, 
" Lord jesus, make thyself to me 

A living, bright reality ! 

More real to faith's vision keen, 

Than any earthly object seen; 

More dear, more intimately nigh, 

Than e'en the sweetest earthly tie." 

Z. '95-75- 



JUNE 2. 

/ am determined not to know anything among yon, 
save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 1 Cor. 2:2. 

* * * 

Our observation of those consecrated ones who have 
permitted other themes than " this gospel " to engross 
time and attention leads us to advise such to be very 
jealous in husbanding time and talent for the ministry of 
the gospel, leaving all other subjects, however interest- 
ing, to others now, and to the future life for ourselves, 
when all knowledge shall be ours. Those who for any 
avoidable cause turn aside from the ministry of the true 
and only gospel, we have invariably observed, are 
quickly turned out of the way or greatly hindered in 
their course toward " the prize of our high calling." 
Z. 95-116. 



i 



It 



JUNE 3. 

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firma- 
ment showeth his handiwork. Day unto day utter eth 
speech^ and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is 
no speech, there are no words, their voice is not heard; but 
their melody extendeth through all the earth, and to the 
end of the world their words. Psa. ip: 1-4 — Leeser. 

The magnificent pageantry of the heavens daily and 
nightly should elicit our praise and adoration, and should 
inspire in our hearts holy and reverent devotion. Let the 
noiseless activity, the perfect obedience to divine law, and 
the blessed shining of the heavenly hosts, impress their 
wholesome lessons upon us — of zealous activity without 
commotion or ostentation; of perfect obedience to the 
will of him who doeth all things well, who is too wise to 
err and too good to be unkind ; and of letting the glory of 
the Lord which has illuminated us shine from us in turn 
upon every beholder. Z. '95-121. 

JUNE 4. 

That the trial of your faith, being much more pre- 
cious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with 
fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at 

the appearing of Jesus Christ. 1 Pet. 1 : 7. 

* * * 

It is your faith that is on trial now. In the calmer 
days, when the sun of favor shone brightly upon you, you 
were quietly laying the foundation of a knowledge of the 
Truth, and rearing the superstructure of Christian charac- 
ter. Now you are in the furnace to be proved: summon 
therefore all your courage; fortify your patience; nerve 
yourself to endurance ; hold fast to your hope ; call to mind 
the promises, they are still yours ; and " cast not away 
your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward." 
" In quietness and confidence shall be your strength. 
" Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him/' and 
faith has gained her victory. Z. '95-135. 



JUNE 5. 



In thee, 0 Lord, do I put my trust. Psa. 31; 1. 

There is nothing that puts the Christian at greater dis- 
advantage in the presence of his foes than for him to let 
go, even temporarily, his grip upon the anchor of faith. 
Let him do so for a moment, and of necessity darkness 
begins to gather round him: he cannot see the brightness 
of his Father's face, for " without faith it is impossible to 
please God ; " and while he grapples again for the anchor, 
the powers of darkness fiercely assail him with doubts and 
fears, based generally upon his human imperfections, 
which he should ever bear in mind are covered by the 
robe of Christ's righteousness. If we would have the 
peace of God reign in our hearts, we must never let go our 
anchor, " nor suffer Satan's deadliest strife to beat our 
courage down." The language of our hearts should al- 
ways be, " Though he slay me, yet will I trust him." Z. 
'95-157- 

JUNE 6. 

Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts 
be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and 
cares of this life. Luke 21: 34. 

* * * 

What a work we realize to be before us, and what 
necessity for sobriety, vigilance, steadfastness ! It is a 
life work, a life battle against a mighty foe entrenched in 
our flesh. The powers without are strong indeed, but 
the civil war within is by far the most to be dreaded. If 
we become in any measure intoxicated with the spirit of 
the world; — if we give way to self-gratification, love of 
ease, pleasure, a little indulgence of any of the old disposi- 
tions of envy, malice, pride, vain-glory, vaunting of self, 
headiness, highmindedness, wrath, strife, or any such 
thing — even a little, Oh, how great is the peril to which 
we are exposed! Z. '95-201. 



JUNE 7. 

The God of all grace, who hath called us unto his 
eternal glory by Jesus Christ, after that ye have suffered a 
while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 
i Pet. 5: 10. 

It is only through endurance of hardness as good sol- 
diers of Christ that this desirable condition can be at- 
tained — viz., perfect self-control and ability to resist evil, 
established faith, patience and virtue, settled, abiding rest 
in Christ, and hope through his word of promise. This 
undoubtedly was the Apostle's own experience as he grew 
old in the Master's service, and so may it be ours. Let 
"each departing year find us nearer the glorious summit 
of perfection! Z. '95-202. 



JUNE 8. 

He which converteth the sinner from the error of 
his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a 
multitude of sins. J as. 5 : 20. 

He * * 

When we see others walking in forbidden paths, in the 
way of transgressors, we are not to follow them there in 
order to help them out; but to show them the right path 
by keeping in it and calling to them. When we see some 
confusing themselves with doctrines and teachings of 
men, which we know are fundamentally wrong, we are 
not to wade through those doctrines in order to help 
them out; but we are to remind them that the study 
of any doctrine which will not square with the foundation 
is not only a misuse of consecrated time, but that all 
trifling with that which we know to be error is wrong and 
dangerous, as all violations of conscience and principle 
are dangerous. Z. '95-203. 



JUNE 9. 



In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good 
cheer; I have overcome the world. Ino. 16: 33. 

$t j)c 

There was no reward of earthly prosperity for the 
Lord's faithfulness, but the reverse — privation and perse- 
cution were realized, even unto death. He was a " man 
of sorrows and acquainted with grief ; " the reproaches of 
them that reproached God fell upon him; though he was 
rich, for our sakes he became poor; so poor that he said, 
" The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have 
nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head." 
. . . And the servant is not above his master: if they 
have persecuted him they will persecute us also; and the 
reproaches of them that reproached him w T ill also fall upon 
us. The only present reward for which the followers of 
Christ may look is the heart-felt manifestation of the 
Lord's love and approval. Z. '95-207. 

JUNE 10. 

Lord, teach us to pray. Luke 11: Jr. 

In brief, our prayers, to be acceptable to God, must ex- 
press confident faith, loving esteem and reverence, full 
sympathy with the divine plan and submission to the di- 
vine will, childlike dependence upon God, acknowledg- 
ment of sins and shortcomings and desire for forgiveness, 
with humble craving for the divine guidance and protec- 
tion. These may not always all be expressed in words, 
but such must at least be the attitude of the soul. Z. 
'95-2*3. 

" Prayer is the soul's sincere desire, uttered or unex- 
pressed." 



JUNE 11. 



Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended. 
Phil. 3: 13. 

* * * 

If any man consider that he has attained a satisfactory 
spiritual state, from that moment he may date the begin- 
ning of his spiritual decline. No present attainments 
can be satisfactory to a sincere follower of Christ who 
studiously endeavors to copy the perfect pattern. It is 
only when we turn our eyes away from Christ that self- 
complacency can be exercised ; for, in full view of the pat- 
tern our shortcomings are ever manifest. And if in 
pride of heart we do lose sight of them ourselves, they 
only become the more manifest to others. Only in the 
realization of a continual growth into the likeness of 
Christ should the Christian find satisfaction. Z. '95-250. 



JUNE 12. 

This one thing I do. Phil. 3: 13. 

We observe the Apostle's singleness of purpose — " This 
one thing I do." He did not try to do several things : if he 
had, he would surely have failed. He devoted his life to 
the one purpose to which he was called, and to that end 
dropped every other aim in life. He did it, too, in view of 
the fact that all through the present life his chosen course 
would bring certain loss, privation, toil, care, persecution 
and continual reproach. In this singleness of purpose he 
was relieved of many temptations to turn aside to enjoy 
some of the good things of this present life, or to pursue 
some of its illusive bubbles. Z. '95-250. 



JUNE 13. 

/ shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. 
Psa. 17: 15. 

% % sj: 

" Now let our thoughts on wings sublime 
Rise from the trivial cares of time, 
Draw back the parting veil, and see 
The glories of eternity/' 
Let thoughts of God and Christ and the worthy saints 
of the past and present, of the heavenly inheritance, of 
the blessedness of our future work in co-operation with 
Christ, of the magnitude and benevolence of the divine 
plan, and of the glory and blessedness of our gathering 
together unto Christ when our work of the present life is 
finished, fill our minds and inspire our hearts. And to 
these contemplations let us also receive the additional 
comfort and blessedness of personal communion and fel- 
lowship with God through prayer and study of the Word 
and the assembling of ourselves together for worship and 
praise. Z. '95-451. 

JUNE 14. 

God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the 
humble. 1 Pet. 5: 5. 

Above almost everything else, beloved, let us guard 
well our humility. It is only when we are little in our 
own eyes that God can use us with safety to ourselves. 
And yet he does not shield us from every test of fidelity. 
If therefore the Lord give you a little exaltation today, 
a little encouragement of success in his service, receive 
it humbly, meekly, remembering your own unworthiness 
and insufficiency except as God is pleased to work through 
you; and be just as ready to receive the humiliations of 
tomorrow as necessary for your discipline and the proper 
balancing of your character. If the success of yesterday 
make you fret under the humiliation of today, beware ! 
You are not as roundly developed spiritually as you 
should be. Z. '96-19. 



JUNE 15. 



And I zvill make an everlasting covenant with you, 
even the sure mercies of David. Isa. 55: j. 

* * * 

All who hunger and thirst after righteousness, whose 
souls thirst after God as the hart for the water-brook, and 
who, having found him, have consecrated themselves to 
him and received the anointing of the holy Spirit, witness- 
ing with their spirits that they are the sons of God; and 
who as anointed sons can discover in themselves the 
worthy traits of true sons, — loyalty, faithfulness, zeal, 
energy, courage, discretion, etc., — these constitute the 
class with whom the Lord has made an everlasting cove- 
nant and to whom belong " the sure mercies of David." 
Z. '96-29. 

JUNE 16. 

No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, 
but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peacea- 
ble fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised 
thereby. Heb. 12:11. 

# * * 

It is under such discipline that the soul is mellowed to a 
loving submission that calmly says, I can do all things, 
bear all things, through Christ who strengthened me. 
As gradually the dross of the old nature is consumed, and 
the gold becomes more and more manifest, these precious 
souls become ever dearer to their loving Lord. So dear 
are they to him that in every affliction he is near with his 
grace to sustain and his presence to cheer; and the deep- 
est shades of sorrow become memory's most hallowed 
resting places, where the Day Star shines the brightest. 
Z. '96-44. 



JUNE 17. 



Who may abide the day of his coming? and who 
shall stand when he appear eth? for he is like a refiner's 
fire, and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver. 
Mai 3:2,3. ^ 

The Great Refiner is watching to see how the precious 
metal of your character reflects his image. Or, in plain 
language, in every trial he watches to see what influences 
control our actions, whether they be influences of present 
advantage, or worldly policy, or personal friendship, or 
earthly loves — of husband, or wife, or children, or love of 
ease, or love of peace at any cost ; or whether, on the other 
hand, we are controlled by the naked principles of truth 
and righteousness ; and whether we will defend these prin- 
ciples with zeal and energy at any cost of labor or suffer- 
ing, or both, and so fight the good fight of faith to the bit- 
ter end — even unto death. Z. '96-45. 

JUNE 18. 

In thy presence is fulness of joy ; at thy right hand 
there are pleasures for evermore. Psa. 16: ii. 

;jj S|t ^ 

In the Lord's presence, no matter where we are, is ful- 
ness of joy. Let us cultivate the Lord's acquaintance 
more, drawing near to him in prayer, in the study of his 
precious Word, in meditation upon all his goodness, his 
providential care, the marked manifestations of his grace 
in our own individual experiences, and his precious prom- 
ises which are all yea and amen in Christ Jesus. Thus 
" draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you " 
(James 4:8); he will manifest himself to you and take up 
his abode with you. 

It is indeed the will of God that all his children should 
be happy in him, that they should be always rejoicing; 
and if any one lack this blessing, he is living below his 
privileges. Z. '96-54. 



JUNE 19. 



Light [Truth] is sown for the righteous, and glad- 
ness [the joys of the Truth] for the upright in heart. Psa. 
97' 11 - 

* * * 

The true children of God love the Truth because they 
have an affinity for it. . ; . When they have found the 
Truth they recognize its value; they prize it, and meditate 
upon it. . . . They say, It is just like God : it is the mani- 
festation of his glorious goodness, the reflection of his lov- 
ing, benevolent, wise and just character. And therefore 
they love the Truth and the God who gave it: they treas- 
ure it up in their hearts and con it over again and again; 
and as they look into it, and admire all its symmetry and 
beauty, they strive more and more to conform their own 
characters to the same lines of beauty and seek to com- 
mend it by word and conduct to others, that they also 
may be blessed by it. Z. '96-55. 

JUNE 20. 

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the 
world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father 
is not in him. 1 J no. 2: 15. 

* * * 

To fellowship the world is to walk in harmony with its 
ideas and to conform to its ways. In this sense we may 
not love it, but must be apart from it and in opposition to 
it. The way thus pointed out to us is, in some respects at 
least, a difficult way, and a lonely way, but it is the only 
way of peace and happiness. This world with the lust 
thereof is rapidly passing away: it is hollow and unsatis- 
fying and eventually leads to disaster and ruin; but those 
who delight in the Lord's way have blessed communion 
and fellowship with him. Their joys come from a source 
which the world cannot comprehend. They live on a 
higher plane, breath a purer atmosphere and enjoy a 
holier, sweeter friendship than the world could ever offer. 
Z. '96-67. 



JUNE 21. 

Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart. 
Matt, ii : 29. 

* * * 

Truly, in a meek and quiet spirit is the secret of rest. 
To be meek is to cultivate the graces of patience; of loving 
submission to the will of God ; of abiding confidence in his 
love and care and in the wisdom of his guiding counsel 
and overruling providences ; and to persistently pursue this 
course through evil and through good report, or through 
favorable or unfavorable circumstances. 

Let the beloved children of God seek more and more to 
copy Christ's meek and quiet Spirit, accepting the provi- 
dences of God and obeying his precepts and leading as he 
did, armed with the strength which he alone can supply, 
and will, to those who take his yoke upon them, and 
learn of him. Z. '96-79. 

JUNE 22. 

It is required in stewards, that a man be found faith- 
ful. . . . Every man according to his several ability. 1 

Cor. 4: 2; Matt. 25: 15. 

* * * 

The " pound," being the same to all, fitly represents 
that blessing of divine grace which is common to all God's 
people — Justification. Other endowments differ in quan- 
tity, according to our natural opportunities, and are gen- 
erally of the Father, — for instance, the Word and the 
Spirit. Our justification while planned by the Father is 
a gift from Jesus, because he paid for it his own precious 
blood. The one " pound " each places all on a common 
footing as acceptable servants and permits each to show 
his zeal by his sacrificings. But the " talents," being dis- 
tributed according to every man's ability, represent oppor- 
tunities for the service of God along the lines of such 
abilities as we possess. They may be talents of education, 
or money, or influence, or good health, or time, or tact, or 
genius, with opportunities for their use in God's service. 
Z. '07-63. 



I 



JUNE 23. 



He that receiveth seed into good ground is he that 
heareth the Word, and understandeth it; which also bear- 
eth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some 
sixty, some thirty. Matt. 13: 23. 

* * * 

The different measures of fruitage — the thirty, sixty, 
and hundred-fold, or the ten pounds and the five, mark 
differences in obstacles to be overcome, etc., rather than 
unfaithfulness in the use of the means of grace. Some 
may work long and diligently for small results, while the 
same effort in others of more resolute will and of greater 
continuity may accomplish great things. Some by slips 
and occasional backslidings, from which they subsequent- 
ly recover, lose time and opportunities which can never 
be regained, although they are forgiven and generously 
reinstated in the divine favor, and thenceforth run with 
diligence and patience to the end. Z. '96-99. 

JUNE 24. 

// children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs 
with Christ, if so be that we suffer with him, that zve may 
be also glorified together. Rom. 8 : 17. 

Reading the Father's plans for ourselves, in the light of 
his will exemplified in his dealings with our Master, we 
may settle it at once that it is not his will to keep us from 
all pain and trial and sufferings, and to carry us triumph- 
antly to glory on flowery beds of ease. Quite the reverse, 
indeed, must be our course if we would follow in the foot- 
steps of him whom God set forth to be, not only a satis- 
faction for the sins of the whole world, but also a pattern 
to the Church, which is his body. And this much learned 
of God's plan and will promptly teaches us that we must 
not expect and should not ask freedom from pain and 
trouble, which his wisdom has ordained to be the path to 
glory. Z. '96-151. 



JUNE 25. 

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with 

thanksgiving. Col. 4 : 2. 

* * * 

Every trial of faith and patience is an occasion for 
prayer for the promised succor. Every failure to gain 
victory is an occasion for a prayer for forgiveness, and as 
well for divine blessing, that the lesson of our own weak- 
ness may be deeply impressed, so that in the next similar 
trial we may promptly apply for and lay hold upon the 
" grace to help " promised. Every victory over self is an 
occasion for prayer that we be not high minded and 
purled up, but kept humble and watchful for the next at- 
tack from the great Adversary. Every service for the 
Truth becomes an occasion for a prayer of thanks for the 
privilege of serving the Great King, and mayhap to have 
suffered something for his cause; and a reason for suppli- 
cation for further opportunities for service and grace to 
use them wisely. Z. 96-163. 

JUNE 26. 

Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly 
calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our pro- 
fession, Christ Jesus. Heb. 5: 1. 

It is God's will that every member of the " body of 
Christ " should be touched with a feeling of the world's 
infirmities, in order that, when exalted to the Kingdom, 
they may be very tender, sympathetic and generous, 
when, as the Royal Priesthood, they shall judge the 
world. Our Lord and Master, who had none of the 
imperfections of the fallen race, but was holy, harmless 
and separate from sinners, needed to take from men their 
sicknesses and infirmities in order that he might be 
touched with a feeling of our infirmities and be a faith- 
ful High Priest. It would be thoroughly illogical to 
suppose that the lessons necessary to the preparation of 
the High Priest for his office and service are not neces- 
sary to the underpriests who are called to suffer with 
him and to reign with him. Z. '96-208. 



JUNE 27. 



Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and 
hath anointed us, is God, who hath also sealed us. 2 Cor. 
1 : 21, 22. 

* * * 

The seal or mark of the New Creature is the possession 
of the Spirit of Christ. The manifestations of this holy 
Spirit are three-fold. (1) Love supreme to God and joy- 
ful loyalty to his cause even at the cost of suffering. (2) 
Love of the brethren — unselfish, noble, pure, — a desire 
for their welfare, which is always alert to do them good. 
(3) Love, sympathetic, for the world, prompting to good 
works, as opportunity may afford, and to a desire and ef- 
fort always to live peaceably with all men. Z. '96-212. 



JUNE 28. 

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear- the Lord, and 
depart from evil. Prov. 3:7. 

$z % ;Jc 

Nothing is more dangerous to the child of God than 
self-conceit: it blocks the way to true progress and refor- 
mation of heart, and hinders true usefulness to others, 
and especially usefulness in God's service; for his Word 
declares, " God resisteth the proud, but showeth favor 
unto the humble." Instead of self-confidence, Wisdom 
dictates a distrustfulness of self, remembering its weak- 
nesses and imperfections, and correspondingly the greater 
reverence for God and reliance upon him, which more 
than anything else will strengthen and enable us to de- 
part from the evil of our fallen estate. Z. '96-263. 



JUNE 29. 



Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 
Matt. 5: 8. 

/ * * 5|f 

The thought of " pure in heart " is not perfection of 
conduct, nor of word, nor of thought, but perfection of 
intention as respects all of these. Our desire and effort 
must be for perfection — in thought; word and deed. The 
standard before us, to which our hearts, wills, must give 
assent, is the divine standard, " Be ye perfect, as your 
Father in heaven is perfect." (Matt. 5: 48.) God has set 
no lower standard than this absolute perfection, but he 
has provided for us grace, mercy and peace through 
Christ, if we will walk in his footsteps, — this purity of 
heart being one of the essential steps in the narrow way. 
Z. '00-71. 



JUNE 30. 

In the time of harvest, I will say to the reapers . . . 
Gather the wheat into my barn. Matt. 13: 30. 

* * * 

The time is short ; the harvest work is great ; the labor- 
ers are few ; our time is consecrated ; we must labor while 
it is called day, knowing that a night cometh wherein no 
man can work. We have consecrated our lives even unto 
death; we are commissioned of the great Lord of the har- 
vest to seek for the true " wheat," and to gather it into 
the barn. What time have we for frivolities or worldli- 
ness or the many social amenities ? Rather, we must con- 
tent ourselves with giving very little attention to these 
things, and must press along the line, engaging heartily 
in the work given us to do, if we would have the approval 
of our Master, his " Well done, good and faithful servant." 
Z. '00-234. 



JULY 1. 



Walk as children of light . . . proving what is ac- 
ceptable unto the Lord. Eph. 5: 10. 

jjs jjl jjf 

If we be sanctified to God by the Truth — if our wills be 
dead, and the Lord's will be fully accepted as ours, in 
thought, word and act, we have attained the will of God 
and will win the prize as " overcomers " — even if, oppor- 
tunities being denied us, we never preached, never gave 
to the poor and never suffered as martyrs for the Truth's 
sake. Let us all note well this point, — " This is the will 
of God [concerning you], even your sanctifi cation." Let 
nothing becloud or obscure this truth; — neither other 
truths nor errors. Let it dominate our course in life, and 
then, if God's will is really our will, we have a clearly 
marked pathway before us, which is very important. Z. 
'99-4. 

JULY 2. 

Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer 
it. 1 Cor. 4: 13. 

jjs * * 

If you are a faithful pupil [in the school of Christ], it 
will not be long until you see that the perfect law of liber- 
ty, the law of Christ, is a discerner of the very thoughts 
and intents of the heart, and that while you must hate all 
sin, you cannot hate any sinner and yet have the love of 
God perfected in your heart. If even so much as a bitter 
feeling against our traducers and maligners arise, it is to 
be fought, and so complete a victory gained over it that 
every fiber of our beings will be in sweet accord with our 
Great Teacher's instructions, " Love your enemies. Pray 
for them which despitefully use you and persecute you. 
Bless and injure not." Z. '99-5. 



JULY 3. 



/ have set the Lord always before me: because he is 
at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Psa. 16: 8. 

* * * 

He who has buried his own will completely in the will 
of the Lord can know no disappointment; but in every 
affair of his life he sees by faith divine appointment or 
supervision, and hears the Word of the Lord in all of life's 
affairs assuring him, " All things work together for good 
to them that love God, to them who are the called accord- 
ing to his purpose." It is one of the evidences of reach- 
ing the graduating condition of heart, when we are able to 
take the oppositions of the great Adversary and of the 
world and of our own flesh patiently, uncomplainingly, 
unmurmuringly, "joyfully" — as a part of the disciplinary 
experience meted out to us by our all-wise and all-loving 
Lord. Z. '99-6. 

JULY 4. 

Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the 
arm of the Lord revealed? Isa. 55; 1. 

* * ijC 

The call of the Church in the present time is to let the 
light shine and thus attract persecution, and to endure 
the persecution for righteousness' sake, and to be rightly 
exercised by it in patience, brotherly kindness, pity and 
love — toward the persecutors and toward all men. Let 
all, then, who see the prize, and who see the light of God's 
glory shining in the face of Jesus Christ our Lord, be 
faithful to the Father's conditions, calling, service. Let 
all such give attention to this ministry (service) which we 
have received, and faint not; be not discouraged, whether 
men hear or whether they forbear, whether they think ill 
of us or whether they speak ill of us ; let us remember that 
our report at the end of the trial is to be rendered to the 
Lord himself, when he is making up his jewels. Z. 
'99-10, 11. 



j 



I 



JULY 5. 



The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but 
mighty through God to the pulling dozvn of strongholds; 
casting down imaginations, and every high thing that 
exalt eth, and bringing into captivity every thought to the 
obedience of Christ. 2 Cor. 10: 4, 5. 

* * * 

Let us remember that the first condition of acceptance 
with God is loyal obedience to his Word, the evidence of 
love for him and faith in him. Let us remember, also, 
that the second qualification he will look for in us is love 
for the brethren, readiness to be, to do and to suffer, to 
die on behalf of those who are really, truly consecrated 
children of God, seeking to walk in his ways. Z. '99-11. 

JULY 6. 

What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he 
teach in the way that he shall choose. Psa. 25: 12. 

It is not for us to supervise the trials and difficulties 
which may beset us. It is for us to make an unreserved 
consecration of ourselves to the Lord and then leave to 
him the decision of how great shall be our trials and be- 
setments — how great our sacrifices in following his lead- 
ings. The Lord may see that some need special trials 
more than others, and those things which to some would 
be great trials and imply great sacrifices, to others, be- 
cause of greater love to the Lord and his cause, and 
greater zeal for service, the sacrifice might be, as the 
Apostle expresses it of his own, " light afflictions, which 
are but for a moment, and which are working out a far 
more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." Z. '99-13. 



JULY 7. 



Behold the Lamb of God. J no. i: 36. 

* * * 

All of the Lord's servants should call attention to the 
Lord and not to themselves. Let us each bend, our 
energies to pointing men to the Lamb of God, and not to 
self-seeking. Modesty is a gem, wherever found, one of 
the graces of the Spirit, which all of the Lord's conse- 
crated ones should seek to have largely developed and 
well polished. 

And let us remember that following Jesus, in the best 
sense, means that we walk in his paths, strive to do as 
nearly as we are able what he would do today, taking our 
lessons from what he did and said personally, and from 
the instructions which he has left for us, through the 
apostles, respecting the path of fellowship in his suffer- 
ings, the path to glory and joint-heirship in his Kingdom. 

z. '99-14, 15. 

JULY 8. 

The Church of the living God, the pillar and ground 
of the Truth. 1 Tim. 3 : 15. 

* * * 

The Lord's Church, the only one to which the name 
ecclesia, body or Church, is properly applicable, is so in- 
significant, so unostentatious, and comparatively so poor 
in this world's riches, that it is not recognized nor recog- 
nizable from the worldly standpoint. It is neither man- 
made nor man-ruled; nor are its members enrolled on 
earth, but in heaven. (Heb. 12: 23.) Its head and bishop 
is the Lord, its law is his Word: it has but one Lord, one 
Faith, one Baptism; and it is built upon the testimonies 
of the holy apostles and prophets — Jesus Christ himself 
being its chief corner-stone. Z. '99-37. 



■ i 'l i 'i i immmmmmmmmmmmaB 



JULY 9. 



When he putteth forth his own *heep, he goeth be- 
fore them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his 
voice, J no. 10:4, 

The voice of the Good Shepherd is a blending of various 
sounds in a manner in which they are blended by no 
other voice. His voice sounds forth the chord of justice 
commingled with the chord of love, and the whole in- 
toned with wisdom and with power. Other theories, 
plans and schemes of men and devils have no such har- 
mony of sound as has the message which the Great Shep- 
herd has sent us through his Son. Moreover, when the 
true sheep hear the voice of the Good Shepherd, it satis- 
fies their longings -as nothing else could do. They will no 
longer be in danger of being attracted by other sounds or 
voices, theories or schemes, but will reply to all, 
" Jesus has satisfied; Jesus is mine." 

Z. '00-230. 

JULY 10. 

All bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious 
words zvhich proceeded out of his mouth. Lnke 4: 22, 

This should be true as far as possible with all of the 
Lord's footstep followers : their speech should be with 
grace, with moderation, the overflow of hearts full of lov- 
ing sympathy for the Truth and all who love and seek it. 
Their words should always be well within the limits of 
reason and righteousness, and strictly in c6nformity to 
the Word of the Lord. And their manner, their conduct, 
as living epistles, should harmonize with these, so that 
even their enemies would marvel, and take knowledge of 
them that they had been with Jesus and learned of him. — > 
Z- '99-53- 



JULY 11. 



Whosoever is begotten of God sinneth not, . . . but 
keepeth himself, and that zcicked one toucheth him not. I 
J no. 5; 18. 

* * * 

So long as the heart (the mind, the will) is holy, in 
harmony with God and righteousness, — that is to say., so 
long as the seed of our begetting, the spirit of holiness, 
continues in us. — the new mind cannot approve of sin, 
but must and will be its opponent. Even though many 
of the battles fought are with the members of our fallen 
and weak human nature, their appetites and desires, we 
nevertheless, as " Xew Creatures.*' are separate and dis- 
tinct from the flesh, and the weaknesses and imperfections 
of the flesh are not imputed to the Xew Creature in Christ 
Jesus, but are reckoned as covered, hidden under the 
merits of our Lord's redemptive sacrifice. Z. '99-58. 

JULY 12. 

// the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be 
free indeed. J no. 8: 36. 

* * * 

The true disciples, heeding the Word of the Great 
Teacher, and continuing in all things to be his pupils, are 
not only set free from superstitions and ignorance, but 
also from the service of sin ; and receive instead a correct 
appreciation of their own natural weaknesses and blem- 
ishes, and of the divine mind — the Truth. In conse- 
quence, their freedom is one which blesses instead of in- 
juring them; one which brings humility instead of pride 
and boastfulness ; one which brings patience instead of 
anger ; one which brings generosity and benevolence in- 
stead of spitefulness and selfishness; one which brings joy 
and peace instead of discontent and bitterness of spirit. 
Truly, the Son alone can make us free indeed. Z. 
'99-57- 



JULY 13. 



Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be 
transformed as the ministers of righteousness. 2 Cor. 
it: 14, 15. 

* * * 

If it be asked, How could Satan be interested in doing 
a good work? we answer, the Adversary thus assumes the 
garment of an angel of light and mercy, not to lead to the 
Light of the World — not to lead to the cross of Christ — 
not to lead to the Bible — but to lead away from these, to 
another hope of salvation, and to another teacher, to de- 
ceive, if it were possible, the very elect. And be it remem- 
bered that our Lord's words indicate that when matters 
come to this condition, where Satan will cast out Satan 
and heal disease, it is a marked evidence that his throne is 
tottering to its fall — that, so to speak, this is the last ex- 
tremity of the Adversary's efforts to deceive. Z. '99-62. 

JULY 14. 

Let all - bitterness and wrath and anger and evil 
speaking be put away from you, with all malice. Eph. 

From his high standpoint of appreciation of the divine 
law, the advanced Christian sees that in the Lord's sight 
hatred is murder, slander is assassination, and the destruc- 
tion of a neighbor's good name is robbery and rapine. 
And any of these things done in the Church, among the 
professed people of God, is doubly evil — the assassination 
and robbery of a brother. The only exception to this 
rule, " Speak evil of no man," would come in where we 
might know of an absolute necessity for making known an 
evil — where the relating of the evil would be contrary to 
our heart's wishes, and only mentioned because of neces- 
sity — because of love for others who, if not informed, 
might be injured. Z. '99-71. 



JULY 15. 



Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and 
have not love } it profiteth me nothing, i Cor. 13: 3. 
* * * 

In our ministrations to others we are not to forget that 
money is not the only thing of which people are sorely in 
need — some need love and sympathy who do not need 
money. Our Lord was one of these : his own heart, full of 
love, found comparatively little companionship in the 
more or less sordid minds of even the noblest of the fallen 
race represented among his apostles. In Mary he seemed 
to find the depth of love and devotion which was to him 
an odor of sweet incense, of refreshment, of reinvigora- 
tion, a tonic : and Mary apparently appreciated, more 
than did others, the lengths and breadths of the Master's 
character. She not only delighted to sit at his feet to 
learn of him, but also delighted, at great cost, to give him 
some manifestation of her devotion, her love. Z. '99-77. 

JULY 16. 

Be ye filled with the Spirit. Eph. 5 : 18. 

j}C ijj Jji 

The measure of our filling will correspond with the 
measure of our emptying of the spirit of self-will, and fill- 
ing with the spirit of faith and obedience. And although 
the obedience cannot do otherwise than manifest itself in 
the daily life, nevertheless it is the obedience of the inten- 
tion, of the will, of the heart, that the Lord regards in his 
consecrated people. Hence some whose hearts are thor- 
oughly loyal to the Lord may be pleasing to him, while 
not the most pleasing to some of those with whom they 
come in contact ; while others, " highly esteemed among 
men " because of outward moralities, may be an " abomi- 
nation " in the sight of God, because of coldness or dis- 
honesty of heart. Nevertheless, he that hath the new 
hope in him, and the new spirit, will seek to purify him- 
self, not only in his thoughts, but also in his words and 
deeds and all his affairs, inward and outward. Z. '99>-92. 



JULY 17. 



Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is 
stayed on thee, Isa. 26 : 3. 

This is not worldly peace, not the peace of indifference, 
not the peace of sloth, not the peace of self-indulgence, 
not the peace of fatalism; but it is the peace of Christ — 
" my peace." Looking back we can see that the Master 
preserved his peace with God under all conditions. It is 
a peace which implicitly trusts to the divine wisdom, 
love, justice and power, a peace which remembers the 
gracious promise made to the Lord's faithful — that noth- 
ing shall by any means hurt his faithful, and that all 
things shall work together for good to them that love God. 
This peace can accept by faith whatever divine provi- 
dence permits, and can look through its tears with joyful 
expectancy for the ultimate blessings which the Master 
has promised, and of which the present peace and joy are 
merely foretastes. Z. '99-95. 

JULY 18. 

In the last days perilous times shall come. Men 
shall be traitors, heady, . . . lovers of pleasures more than 
lovers of God. 2 Tim. 3; 4. 

sfe # * 

The true Christian is not " heady ; " on the contrary, 
his consecration to the Lord figuratively decapitated him. 
He lost his head, renounced his own will and self-rule, and 
submitted himself as a member of the body of Christ, to 
the absolute control of Jesus, the Head. . . . The true 
Christian therefore, in every affair of life, — in respect to 
its pleasures as well as in respect to its burdens and trials, 
— appeals to his Head for direction, to know how and 
what to do or say — yea, to have even the very thoughts 
of his mind in full conformity to the will of God in Chirst. 
Z. '99-102. 



JULY 19. 



The cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not 
drink it? J no. 18: n. 

* * * 

How the grace of humility shines out in all the little af- 
fairs of our dear Redeemer's ministry; even at the mo- 
ment of his surrender to his enemies he does not boast 
that his course is a voluntary one, nor seek praise as a 
martyr ! He declares the simple truth that the Father 
required this of him as an evidence of his personal loyalty 
to him. He confesses himself a servant of God, a Son 
who learned obedience by the things which he suffered. 

No other lesson, perhaps, is more needed by the Lord's 
followers than the one of willingness to drink the cup 
which the Father pours — a recognition that the Father is 
guiding and directing in our affairs because we are his, as 
members of the body of the Anointed One. Z. '99-118; 
'01-91. 

JULY 20. 

/ am the true vine, and my Father is the husband- 
man . . . every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, 
that it may bring forth more fruit. J no. 15:1,2. 

* * * 

As even the best branches in the vine, which give evi- 
dence of fruit-bearing, require pruning, so even the most 
honest and earnest of the Lord's people require the 
Lord's discipline and providential care — otherwise they 
might soon run to woodmaking also, and fail to bring 
forth much fruit. The true child of God whose will has 
been entirely immersed into the will of the Lord is neither 
offended nor discouraged by these prunings. He has 
learned something at least of his own unwisdom, and has 
confidence in the wisdom of the great Husbandman. 
Hence when divine providence estops his efforts in some 
directions he takes the thwarting of his plans joyfully, 
assured that the Lord's will and the Lord's way are the 
best, and intended to work out a blessing. Z. '99-109. 





j 



JULY 21. 



To this end zvas I born, and for this cause came I 
into the world, that I should bear witness to the Truth. 
J no. 18: 37. 

jfe: 

It was our Lord's faithfulness to the Truth that brought 
upon him the opposition of those who were blinded by 
the Adversary. It was his witness to the Truth that cost 
him his life, and it was the giving of his life in defence of 
the Truth that constituted the redemption price. Simi- 
larly all of the Lord's followers are to bear witness to the 
Truth — the truth in respect to God's character and plan. 
It is such witness to the Truth that is to cost all the true 
followers of Jesus their lives in presenting themselves 
living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to - God through 
Christ Jesus. Let each one who hopes to be a joint-heir 
with the Prince of Life in the Kingdom witness to the 
Truth — a good confession respecting the Kingdom, its 
foundation and ultimate superstructure in glory. Z. 
'99-123. 

JULY 22. 

The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken 
heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many 
are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord deliver eth 
him out of them all. Psa. 34 : 18, 19. 

A just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again. 
Prov. 24 : 16. 

* * * 

If at any time we find we have taken a wrong course 
which is irretrievable, we may expect it to bring the dis- 
appointments as the Lord has foretold; but he may permit 
it to bring, as well, some blessings in the way of contri- 
tion of heart, and humility toward the Lord, and greater 
zeal, watchfulness and faithfulness for the future. Thus 
even some of the blunders of life may become stepping- 
stones to higher planes of grace and truth. Z. '03-217. 



JULY 23. 



// any provide not for his own, . . . he hath denied 
the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever, i Tim. 5: 8. 
* * * 

" The faith " includes thoughts of love, sympathy, in- 
terest and care for others, especially for them of the 
household of faith. How it gives us an insight into our 
Lord's sympathetic nature, to find him thinking in the 
interest of others at the very time when he himself is 
overwhelmed in trouble ! His own agony did not hinder 
him from thinking of his mother, and making provision 
for her comfort. . . . We note the choice of John : it was 
doubtless because, first of all, of his loving, tender disposi- 
tion; secondly, his zeal for the Lord and the Truth; and 
thirdly, his courage in pressing near to be with his dying 
Master in his closing hours, at the risk of his own life. 
Let us note these characteristics, as being those which the 
Lord approves, that noting them we may cultivate them 
in ourselves, and thus be granted special opportunities for 
service by this same Master. Z. '99-127. 

JULY 24. 

The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man 
availeth much. J as. 5 : 16. 

Communion with the Lord in prayer brings increased 
confidence in the Lord's supervision of our affairs; in- 
creased faith in all the exceeding great and precious prom- 
ises of his Word; increased realization of his leadings, 
past and present; increased love for all the brethren of 
Christ, and increased solicitude for their welfare and 
spiritual progress. Prayer is thus closely and actively 
identified with progress in spiritual things, progress in the 
fruits of the Spirit, toward God, the brethren, and all 
men. Z. '00-268. 



I 



I 



JULY 25. 



There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to de- 
stroy : who art thou that judgest another? J as. 4: 12. 

* * # 

It is in harmony with this thought that the Apostle 
Paul declares in one place that neither the world nor the 
brethren were capable of judging him — that only the 
Lord, who could read the heart and know all the condi- 
tions and testings and weaknesses to be striven against, 
could properly judge. He even declares, "Yea, I judge 
not mine own self." (1 Cor. 4:3.) It is an excellent plan 
neither to condemn others who claim to be walking con- 
scientiously as children of the Lord, nor even to condemn 
ourselves under similar circumstances. We should sim- 
ply press along day by day, doing the best we can to culti- 
vate the heavenly graces and to serve our Master, leaving 
all the results with the Lord. Z. '99-139. 

JULY 26. 

To him that overcometh will I give ... a white 
stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man 
knoweth saving he that receiveth it. Rev. 2: 17. 

* * * 

The overcomers must all be proven to be such as would 
sacrifice every other thing for the Lord; such as would 
sacrifice the love and fellowship and approval, if neces- 
sary, of every other being, in order to retain the love and 
favor of the Lord. We believe that this test is coming- 
daily closer and closer to the Lord's consecrated people, 
and it behooves every one of us to remember that this is 
one of the elements of our trial, and to set our affections 
on the heavenly things accordingly, and to mortify or 
deaden all such affections toward earthly beings and 
things as would bring these into competition with our 
Lord in our affections, service, etc. Z. '99-140. 



JULY 27. 



We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, 
except zi'e find it against him concerning the law of his 
God. Dan. 6:5. 

* * * 

All are not leading spirits, as was Daniel, nor are all 
given to visions and revelations and interpretations, as 
was he; but all will have the same spirit of devotion to 
principles of righteousness, which devotion will be tested 
under divine providence, step by step, through the nar- 
row way, as they seek to walk in the footsteps of him who 
set us an example — our Daniel, our Leader, our Lord 
Jesus. Let all, then, who have named the name of Christ 
depart from iniquity ; let all such be faithful : " Dare to 
be a Daniel." Z. '99-167. 

JULY 28. 

// ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye. 
1 Pet. 3 : 14. 

* # * 

It is only when we are hated because of our loyalty to 
the Truth (directly or indirectly) that we are to take sat- 
isfaction therein, or to think that we are suffering for 
righteousness' sake. As the Apostle points out, some 
suffer as evil-doers and as busy-bodies in other men's 
matters, or because of ungentleness, uncouthness, or lack 
of the wisdom of moderation, which the Lord's Word 
counsels. 

It is our duty not only to study the Lord's will, but also 
to consider well the circumstances and the conditions 
which surround us, and to seek to adopt such a moderate 
course in life as would first of all have divine approval, 
and secondly, cause as little trouble, inconvenience and 
displeasure to others as possible, and then to confidently 
rely upon the Lord's supervising wisdom and providence. 
Z. '99-166, 167. 



JULY 29. 

Our God zvhom we serve is able to deliver us. Dan. 

* * * 

The Lord's providences vary, and it is not for his people 
to decide when shall come remarkable deliverances, and 
when they shall apparently be left entirely to the will of 
their enemies without any manifestation of divine favor 
on their behalf. Sometimes, the Lord's people who are 
bound, restrained of liberty to proclaim the Truth, find, 
as did the three Hebrews, that the fire burns the cords and 
sets them free, and really gives them larger opportunities 
to testify to the glory of our God than they could have 
had by any other course. 

It is not, therefore, for us to predetermine what shall be 
the divine providence in respect to ourselves; we are to 
note the point of right and duty and to follow it regard- 
less of consequences, trusting implicitly to the Lord. Z. 
99-171. 

JULY 30. 

Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the 
vines. Cant. 2 : 15. 

Many deal slackly with themselves in respect to little 
violations of their consecration vow, saying, — " What's 
the use of such carefulness and so different a life from 
that of the world in general ? " Ah ! there is great use in 
it, for victories in little things prepare for greater things 
and make them possible : and on the contrary, surrender to 
the will of the flesh in the little things means sure defeat 
in the warfare as a whole. 

We who have become " New Creatures," reckonedly, in 
Christ, know that we are to be tested (if our testing have 
not already commenced), and should realize that only as 
we practice self-denials in the little things of life, and 
mortify (deaden) the natural cravings of our flesh in re- 
spect to food, clothing, conduct, etc., will we become 
strong spiritually and be able to " overcome." Z. '99-172. 



JULY 31. 



Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the 
day shall declare it, because it shall be reve-aled by fire. I 
Cor. 3: 13. 

* * * 

The Apostle speaks of this time o'f fiery trial, and, liken- 
ing the faith and works of a zealous Christian to a house 
built of gold, silver and precious stones, he declares that 
the fire of this day, in the end of this age, shall try every 
man's work of what sort it is, and shall consume all but 
genuine faith and character structures. But we are to 
remember that such loyal characters grow not suddenly, 
in a few hours or days — mushroom like, — but are pro- 
gressive developments, fine-grained and strong like the 
olive-tree. Z. '99-171. 



AUGUST 1. 

Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Prov. 
18:21. 

* * * 

The tongue's influence exceeds that of all our other 
members combined: and to control it, therefore, in the 
Lord's service, is the most important work of the Lord's 
people in respect to their mortal bodies and the service of 
these rendered to the Lord. A few words of love, kind- 
ness, helpfulness, — how often have such changed the en- 
tire course of a human life ! — yea, how much they have 
had to do with moulding the destiny of nations ! And 
how often have evil words, unkind words, slanderous 
words, done gross injustice, assassinated reputations, etc. ! 
or, as the Apostle declares, " set on fire the course of na- 
ture " — awakening passions, strifes, enmities, at first un- 
thought of. No wonder he declares such tongues " set on 
fire of Gehenna " — the Second Death ! Z. '99-75. 



IHBHHM .. I 



■■Mnnn 



AUGUST 2. 



O come, let its worship and bow down: let us kneel 
before the Lord our maker. Psa. 95:6. 

jji * * 

Our judgment is that it is impossible for any Christian 
to maintain a proper, consistent walk in life, and to build 
up such a character and faith structure as are represented 
by the Apostle as composed of " gold, silver and precious 
stones," without * prayer ; more than this, without regu- 
larity in prayer — we would almost be inclined to say, 
without kneeling in prayer : and we believe that the ex- 
periences and testimonies of the truest and best of the 
Lord's people who have ever lived will corroborate this. 
Z. '99-184. 



AUGUST 3. 

Separate yourselves from the people of the land. 
Ezra 10 : 11. 

Some one has well said : — " The Christian in the world 
is like a ship in the ocean. The ship is safe in the ocean 
so long as the ocean is not in the ship." One of the great 
difficulties with Christianity today is that it has admitted 
the strangers, the " people of the land," and recognized 
them as Christians. It does injury, not only to the 
Christians, by lowering their standards (for the average 
will be considered the standard), but it also injures the 
" strangers," by causing many of them to believe them- 
selves thoroughly safe and needing no conversion, be- 
cause they are outwardly respectable, and perhaps fre- 
quently attendants at public worship. Z. '99-203. 



AUGUST 4. 



The servant of the Lord mast not strive; but be gen- 
tle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instruct- 
ing those that oppose themselves. 2 Tim. 2: 24, 25. 
* * * 

Some of the Lord's dear people have greatly injured 
their influence in the Truth by display of too large a de- 
gree of self-confidence, self-assurance, in speaking of the 
divine plan to others — especially to the learned. Meekness 
is a jewel wherever found, and is especially desirable as an 
adjunct and sling for the Truth. Let the Truth be shot 
forth with all the force it can carry, but always with 
meekness and humility; and the question form of sug- 
gesting Truth will often be found the most forceful. Z. 
, oo-i4. 



AUGUST 5. 

We know that all things work together for good to 
them that love God, . . . the called according to his pur- 
pose. Rom. 8: 28. 

* * * 

Remembering this, all the Lord's people should be con- 
tent with the lot which Providence seems to mark out for 
them — not indolent, but content, when they have done 
all that their hands find to do, — not restless, peevish, dis- 
satisfied, complainers against God and his providence. It 
may be that the Lord is fitting and preparing us individu- 
ally for some special service, and that the permitted ex- 
periences alone will prepare us for that service. We are 
to remember also that w r e are incompetent to judge of our 
own imperfections, and hence incompetent to judge of the 
experiences which would be most helpful to us. Z. 
'00-22. 



AUGUST 6. 



Resist the devil, and he will ftee from you. J as. 

4:7. 

If we are positive in our rejection of temptation it in- 
creases our strength of character, not only for that time, 
but also for subsequent temptations ; and it disconcerts to 
some extent our Adversary, who, noting our positive- 
ness, knows well that it is useless to discuss the matter 
with persons of strong convictions and positive charac- 
ters; whereas if the question were parleyed over, the re- 
sult would surely be an advancing of further reasons and 
arguments on the Adversary's part, and a danger on our 
part that we would be over-matched in argument, for, 
as the Apostle declares, the Devil is a wily adversary, 
and " we are not ignorant of his devices." Prompt and 
positive obedience to the Word and Spirit of the Lord is 
the only safe course for any of the " brethren." Z. '00-30. 

AUGUST 7. 

// a man contend in the games, he is not crowned ex- 
cept he strive lawfully. 2 Tim. 2: 5. 

* * * 

Jesus observed God's times and seasons and methods. 
He never recklessly exposed his life until from the 
prophets he recognized that his hour had come to be de- 
livered into the hands of his enemies. He did not make 
long prayers on the street corners to be heard of men, nor 
exhort the multitude with noisy harangue; as the prophet 
indicated, he did not lift up his voice nor cry aloud in the 
streets. (Isa. 42: 2.) He chose God's methods, which are 
rational and wise, and which are effective in selecting 
from among men the class which he desires to be heirs of 
the promised Kingdom. Let those who would so run as 
to obtain the prize, mark these footprints of the Master, 
and be filled more and more with his Spirit. Z. '02-265. 



AUGUST 8. 



Into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to 
this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace 
shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. Luke 
io : 5,6. 

* * * 

Each laborer in the present harvest should note well 
the Lord's instruction in these verses. Wherever the 
Lord's representatives go peace should go, not strife, con- 
fusion, turmoil, quarreling. True, the Truth will prove 
to be a sword that will arouse opposition, yet it should be 
the Truth that causes the opposition and division and not 
any rudeness or unkindness of word or action on the part 
of the Lord's representatives. There are plenty of things 
to aggravate mankind in this our busy day, and all who 
have received the Truth should receive also its spirit 
" speaking peace through Jesus Christ." Z. '04-108, 



AUGUST 9. 

// the light that is in thee be[come] darkness, how 
great is that darkness. Matt. 6: 23. 

y He * & 

The " harvest " is a time for winnowing the " wheat " — 
a sifting, a separating time, and it is for each of us to 
prove our characters : " Having done all, stand ! " The 
tests of this " harvest " must be like those of the Jewish or 
typical " harvest." One of them is the cross, another is 
the presence of Christ, another is humility, another is love. 
The Jews were reproved because they "knew not the time 
of their visitation." The matter is doubly distressing for 
those who have once seen the light of Present Truth, and 
afterward go into the " outer darkness." It implies un- 
faithfulness. Z. '04-297. 



AUGUST 10. 



// there be any consolation [comfort] in Christ, if any 
comfort of love, if any fellowship of spirit, if any bowels 
and mercies, fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, hav- 
ing the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Phil. 
2 : i, 2. 

* # * 

What exhortations these are to unity, peace, brotherly 
kindness ! How they suggest to us patience, forbearance, 
gentleness, helpfulness and comfort one toward another in 
the Church; that thus the Spirit of the Lord may abound 
in all, that each may make the greatest possible progress 
in the right way. Dear brethren and sisters, let us more 
and more be worthy of the name of Barnabas — Comforter 
of the brethren. Let us have the holy Spirit abounding 
in us more and more, for this is the Lord's good pleasure; 
that with At dwelling in us richly we may be all sons and 
daughters of comfort in Zion, representatives of our 
Father, and channels of the holy Spirit, as well as of the 
Truth. Z. '04-296. 

AUGUST 11. 

Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a 
crown of life. Rev. 2: 10. 

* * * 

We are to anticipate a second attack upon the true 
Church (not upon the nominal system), and this may 
mean, as in the case of John the Baptist, a second and a 
seemingly complete victory of tne Babylonish woman and 
her paramour, the world, over the faithful members of the 
body of Christ in the flesh. We shall certainly not be 
surprised if the matter so result; but this and all things 
must work together for good to those who love the Lord. 
We must all die to win our heavenly prizes beyond the 
veil. The Elijah class this side the veil must and will be 
vanquished, but the apparent defeat only hastens the 
Kingdom glories. Z. '04-63. 



AUGUST 12. 

Cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy 
servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have 
dominion over me. . . . Let the words of my mouth, and 
the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, 0 
Lord, my strength and my redeemer. Psa. ip: 12-14. 

jji „jif -4? 

It would appear that every intelligent Christian would 
continually pray this inspired prayer, for cleansing from 
secret faults, that he might thus be restrained from pre- 
sumptuous sins : and thus praying heartily, he would also 
watch against these beginnings of sin and keep his heart 
in a cleansed and pure condition, by going continually to 
the fountain of grace for help in every time of need. He 
who seeks to live a life of holiness and nearness to the 
Lord by merely guarding against outward or presumptu- 
ous sins, and who neglects the beginnings of sin in the 
secrets of his own mind, is attempting a right thing in a 
very foolish and unreasonable way. Z. '98-22. 

AUGUST 13. 

We are ambassadors for Christ. 2 Cor. 3:20. 

♦ jfc ♦ 

If we as Christians could keep this thought always 
prominent before our minds what a dignity it would add 
to our character S what a transforming power it would 
be ! what an assistance to the new nature in its battle 
with the low and groveling tendencies of the old nature 
now disowned by us and reckoned dead ! "Our citizenship 
is in heaven/' says the Apostle. While still living in the 
world we are not of it, but have transferred our allegiance 
and citizenship to the heavenly Kingdom. . . . And now, 
as appointees of our Kingdom, while still living in the 
world amongst aliens and strangers, we as representatives 
and ambassadors should feel both the dignity and the 
honor of the position and the weighty responsibilities, and 
ever keep in memory the Apostle's words, " Whatsoever 
ye do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord 
Jesus." Z. '04-72. 



AUGUST 14. 



It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, 
and the servant as his Lord. If they have called the mas- 
ter of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call 

them of his household? Matt. 10: 25. 

* * * 

However graciously stated, the Truth is a sword which 
penetrates in every direction, and which as our Lord fore- 
told, frequently sets parents against children and children 
against parents, because the darkness hateth the light and 
opposeth it in every possible manner. In view of the 
Lord's teachings regarding this subject, and of how the 
wisest presentation of it may be ultimately misconstrued, 
it behooves every one who would serve the Truth faith- 
fully to be as careful as possible not to be misunderstood; 
— to let it be clearly understood that we neither participate 
in nor advocate anarchy of any kind; but on the contrary, 
are standing for righteousness and the highest of laws, 
the divine law. Z. '03-13. 

AUGUST 15. 

Now we exhort you, brethren, be patient toward all. 
1 Thess. 5: 14. 

* * * 

This seems to imply that the better balanced amongst 
the Lord's people should look with sympathy upon and 
exercise patient forbearance not only toward the weak 
and those who lack courage, but toward all; including 
those who have too much courage and self-push. . . . 
Growth in knowledge helps us to grow in this grace of 
patience, for as we appreciate more and more the heaven- 
ly Father's patience with us it helps us to apply the same 
principle toward others. . . . The thought that our heav- 
enly Father has favored and called any one should make 
us extremely careful how we would co-operate with the 
Lord in respect to the call, and be as helpful as possible to 
all those who are seeking to walk with us in the footsteps 
of our Lord in the narrow way. Z. '03-24. 



AUGUST 16. 



In everything give thanks. I Thess. 5: 18. 
* * * 

Having the condition of heart which is in fellowship 
with the Lord and fully devoted to the doing of his will, 
the Lord's people not only implore his blessing at the be- 
ginning of each day, and present their thanks at the close 
of each day, but in all of life's affairs they seek to remem- 
ber that they have consecrated their all to the Lord, and 
by faith look up to him in all the affairs of life; — and in 
proportion to the importance of their undertakings they, 
by faith, realize the association of God's providence with 
all the interests of life and give thanks accordingly. This 
is the will of God concerning us ; — he wills that we live in 
such an attitude of constant regard for his will and for his 
blessing; — and he wills it in respect to us because it will 
be the condition most favorable to our progress in the 
narrow way, and which will best assist us in making our 
calling and election sure. Z. '03-25. 



AUGUST 17. 

Quench not the Spirit. 1 Thess. 5; ip. 

The Spirit of the Lord amongst his people is compared 
to " a flame of sacred love " for the Lord and all connected 
with his cause : this flame is enkindled through the divine 
message in each one individually, when begotten of the 
holy Spirit, and appertains, therefore, to the Church col- 
lectively, under the guidance of that Spirit. In propor- 
tion as the Church grows in knowledge and in love and in 
fellowship with the Lord this " flame of sacred love " will 
make it a light in the world, — a city set on a hill, which 
cannot be hid. Z. '03-25. 



AUGUST 18. 



Prove all things, hold fast that which is good, i 
Thess. 5: 21. 

* * * 

However much they should ever come to respect proph- 
esyings, or public speaking, the Lord's people should learn 
proportionately not to receive what they might hear with- 
out proper examination and criticism: they should prove 
all things that they hear, should exercise discrimination 
of mind, as to what is logically and scripturally sup- 
ported, and what is mere conjecture and possibly sophis- 
try. They should prove what they hear with a view to 
holding fast everything that stands the test of the divine 
Word, and shows itself to be in accordance with the holy 
Spirit; and they should as promptly reject whatever will 
not stand these tests. Z. '03-26. 

AUGUST 19. 

Abstain from every form of evil. {Rev. Ver.) 1 
Thess. 5 : 22, 

* * * 

The exhortation is that everything that is evil, whether 
it have a good form or a bad form, is to be resisted and 
opposed. . . . To abstain from every appearance of evil 
is another thought — a different one from what the Apos- 
tle's words in the original would warrant; nevertheless, 
they represent a sound principle. We surely should ab- 
stain not only from evil things, whatever their form or 
garb, but we should abstain so far as possible from doing 
things that we know to be good, which our friends or 
neighbors might misunderstand and consider to be evil 
things. The spirit of a sound mind dictates that not only 
evil in its every form, but everything that has an evil ap- 
pearance, even, should be avoided — that our influence 
for the Lord and the Truth may be the greater. Z. 
'03-26. 



AUGUST 20. 



Whom j therefore j ye ignorantly worship, him de- 
clare I unto yon. Acts ij : 23. 

The Apostle's method is worthy of imitation. All wise 
people distrust novelty, and incline to say that whatever 
is valuable has long been. We, like the Apostle, should 
endeavor to show that the true gospel is not a new the- 
ology, but the old theology; not a new gospel, but the old 
gospel, — the one foretold to Abraham; the one declared 
by the Lord Jesus himself and by all his apostles. In 
proportion as we would show that errors prevail today, 
which had their origin in the " dark ages/' we must show 
that we are not forging a new theory equally erroneous, 
but that we have discarded the errors of the dark ages, and 
have gone back to the first principles and precepts and 
instructions of the gospel, as announced by the Lord and 
his authorized representatives, the apostles. Z. '03-29. 

AUGUST 21. 

Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteous- 
ness. Matt. 6: 33. 

The Lord's people of spiritual Israel will do well to 
bear this thought continually in mind — that spiritual in- 
terests are to be given the preference always ; that tempo- 
ral affairs are to be managed and controlled from the 
standpoint of the everlasting welfare; — from the stand- 
point of spiritual growth and development and prosper- 
ity; — from the standpoint of the best interests and influ- 
ences upon their children. They should not only hesitate 
to follow any suggestion that would take themselves and 
their families into unfavorable, godless surroundings, but 
they should determine that not under any consideration 
would they follow such a suggestion; — that on the con- 
trary the Lord's people should be their people, even 
though this meant less of the comforts and luxuries of this 
present life. Z. '02-350. 



AUGUST 22. 



Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's busi- 
ness f Luke 2: 49. 

* # * 

Should we not all have the Master's Spirit, expressed 
by his words? The Lord's true saints have no business 
of their own, for they gave their all to the Lord at con- 
secration. Their business they manage as trustees for 
the Lord — not to be turned over at their death, in pros- 
perous condition, to their children or their friends, possi- 
bly to their injury. It is to be used by the trustee as 
wisely as he knows how before death; for then his trus- 
teeship ends, and he must render his account. Z. '03-53. 



AUGUST 23. 

And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but 
the greatest of these is love. 1 Cor. 13 : 13. 

* jjc >fc 

As love is the most excellent thing, so is it the most en- 
during, . . . for will not faith practically come to an end 
when we shall see and know thoroughly? And will not 
hope practically be at an end when we shall reach the 
fruition of all- our hopes and be possessors of the fulness 
of our heavenly Father's promises? Love, however, will 
never fail, even as it had no beginning. God is love, and 
since he was without beginning, so love was without be- 
ginning; because it is his character, his disposition; and 
as he endureth forever, so love will endure forever. Z. 

'03-58. 



AUGUST 24. 



Holy Father, keep through thine ozvn name those 
whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we 
are. J no. iy: n. 

sjt % jfc 

As we come to consider this beautiful expression of the 
Lord's sentiments with reference to the Church, we catch 
a glimpse of the glory of the blessed oneness of the divine 
family. It is a oneness of purpose, a oneness of confi- 
dence, a oneness of sympathy, a oneness of love, a one- 
ness of honor, and a oneness of mutual possession. This 
oneness our Lord described as already existing between 
himself and the Father, but so far as his disciples are con- 
cerned it was and still is prospective; and its full accom- 
plishment is the ideal goal toward which we are taught to 
aspire. Z. '03-77. 



AUGUST 25. 

We know that, when he shall appear, we shall be 
like him: for we shall see him as he is. 1 J no. j: 2. 

Let the hope that we shall soon experience our resur- 
rection change, and be made like our dear Redeemer, and 
see him as he is, and share his glory in the great " epipha- 
nia," or shining forth of the sons of God in the glory of 
the Kingdom, enthuse us — let this energize our hearts, 
loose our lips, and strengthen us for every duty, privilege 
and opportunity — to serve our Master and the household 
of faith. If this hope has been an anchor to the Lord's 
people for so many centuries, how much more does it 
mean to us who are living now in the very time of his 
presence, waiting for his " apokalupsis " — his revealing in 
the glory of the Kingdom ! Z. '03-151. 



AUGUST 26. 



Love . . . is kind, i Cor. 13: 4. 

It is no more obligatory upon the Lord's people to de- 
nounce every wrongdoer whom they may meet in the 
street than it is for them to tell all homely persons they 
may see of their lack along the lines of beauty. . . . 
Politeness is always a part of Christian character. In 
the world it may be polish, but in the Christian it is not 
merely a veneer, but represents the true sentiments of the 
heart, developed along the lines of the spirit of life — love. 
Love leads to gentleness, patience, kindness, etc., and 
even in the case of disobedience it will hesitate to utter an 
unkind word, and will avoid the same so far as duty will 
permit. Z. '03-153. 

AUGUST 27. 

Henceforth knozv we no man after the flesh. 2 Cor. 

5:16. 

* * * 

The Apostle did not mean that we should pay no atten- 
tion to the shortcomings of the flesh, either in ourselves or 
in other members of the body. All fleshly weaknesses 
should be striven against, and they may frequently de- 
mand rigorous treatment in the interest of the New 
Creature; but nevertheless, we are to distinctly differ- 
entiate between the New Creature and his weak mortal 
body, and are to love and sympathize with the brother, 
while it may be necessary for us, in his interest, and also 
in the interest of the Church, to reprove or rebuke or 
otherwise correct his wrong course. The Apostle's defini- 
tion as to how we are to know the two classes apart is that 
the unregenerate will mind the things of the flesh, while 
the regenerate will mind the things of the Spirit. Z. 
'03-170. 



AUGUST 28. 



Preach the Word; be instant in season, out of sea- 
son. 2 Tim. 4: 2. 

This cannot mean that we are to violate the laws of 
reason and decency by intruding the good tidings upon 
others at times inconvenient and unseasonable to them; 
but it does mean that we are to have such a love for the 
Truth, such an earnest desire to serve it, that we will 
gladly accept the opportunity to do so, however incon- 
venient it may be for ourselves. It is the chief business 
of our lives, to which life itself even is subservient, and 
hence, no opportunity for service must be laid aside. Z. 
'03-189. 



AUGUST 29. 

Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss. J as. 

4-3- 

* * * 

Let us learn to pray aright, as well as to labor and to 
hope aright ; and in order to do so let us be swift to hear, 
slow to speak, swift to hearken to the Word of the Lord 
and to the lesson which he has already given us, and to 
his method of instructing us and guiding us and blessing 
us. Let us be slow to tell him what our preferences are; 
indeed let us seek to attain that development of Christian 
character which will permit us always not to seek our 
own wills, but the will and way of our Father in heaven. 
Z. '03-204. 



AUGUST 30. 



Let your light so shine before men, that they may see 
your good works, and glorify your Father which is in 
heaven. Matt. y. 16. 

* * * 

Not only shall it be true that the Lord's Anointed One 
shall be head and shoulders above all others, " the chiefest 
among ten thousand, the one altogether lovely/' but it 
should also be true to a considerable extent that all those 
who are intimately associated with the members of the 
body of Christ in the present life — before he is proclaimed 
King of the whole world — should be able to recognize the 
largeness and grandeur of character in those whom the 
Lord is choosing for this place of honor in the affairs of 
men. They should be able to take knowledge of them 
that they have been with Jesus, should see their largeness 
of heart, their moral heights — should discern in them the 
spirit of a sound mind. Z. '03-206. 

AUGUST 31. 

// it be so , our God whom we serve is able to deliver 
us from the fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thy 
hand, 0 king; but if not, be it known unto thee, O king, 
that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden 
image which thou hast set up. Dan. 3: 17, 18. 

The answer of the Hebrews to Nebuchadnezzar, — " Our 
God whom we serve," is worthy of note. They not only 
acknowledged God and worshiped him, but they addition- 
ally served him, according as they had opportunity. . . . 
Let us resolve, dear brethren, as did the three Hebrews, 
that we will worship and serve only the Lord our God — 
that we will neither worship nor serve sectarianism, in 
any of its many forms, nor mammon, with its enticements 
and rewards, nor fame, nor friends, nor self. God " seek- 
eth such to worship him as worship him in spirit and 
in truth," is the declaration of our Lord and Head. 
Z. '99-172. 



SEPTEMBER 1. 



But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a 
chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gen- 
tiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. Acts p: 15. 

'ft is because we see Jesus to be the Father's choice that 
we unite ourselves to him; because we see the Father's 
character manifested in him that we leave all to follow 
him. Similarly, if we lend our aid, our support to any 
human being in connection with the divine plan and ser- 
vice, it should be simply upon this ground — not merely a 
personal magnetism or favoritism, but because our hearts 
are touched by the Lord with a realization of the leader's 
being of his appointment. Z. '03-206. 



SEPTEMBER 2. 

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the 
Truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the breth- 
ren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fer- 
vently. 1 Pet. 1: 22. 

4 s ^ ^ 

Knowledge is to be highly esteemed in the Church,- and 
to be regarded as an evidence of progress, of growth; for 
none can grow strong in the Lord and in the power of his 
might — in grace — unless he grows also in knowledge. We 
properly esteem most highly those whose love for the 
Lord and for his Truth are evidenced by zeal in the study 
of his Word, and whose favor with God is evidenced by 
their being guided more and more into the deep things of 
God. Nevertheless, as in the earthly family we love and 
care for the babes and immature, so also in the house- 
hold of faith the little ones and the dwarfs are to be cared 
for and loved and helped that they may grow strong in 
the Lord and in the power of his might. Z. '03-207. 



SEPTEMBER 3. 



/ desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge 
of God more than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6. 

He who gives his will, his heart, to the Lord, gives all; 
he who gives not his will, who comes not in obedience of 
heart unto the Lord, can offer no sacrifice to the Lord 
that could be acceptable. " Behold to obey is better 
than*sacrifice," is a lesson which should be deeply en- 
graved upon the hearts of all the sanctified in Christ 
Jesus. To have the spirit of obedience is necessary, too, 
and whoever has the spirit of obedience will not only obey 
the divine will, but will seek to know the divine will more 
and more that he may obey it. It is of this class that the 
Scriptures declare, " His word was found and I did eat 
it ; " and again, in the words of our Lord, " I delight to do 
thy will, oh my God; thy law is written in my heart.' Z. 
'03-220. 

SEPTEMBER 4. 

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out 
fear, because fear hath torment. 1 J no. 4: ip. 

* * * 

Mighty, imposing and terrifying indeed is the influence 
of fear, except upon those who have learned to know the 
Lord through previous experiences, and to trust him even 
where they cannot trace him. The giant of fear and de- 
spair must be met with the pebble from the brook, " It is 
written." The sling of faith must propel the word of 
promise with such force as to slay the Adversary and to 
deliver us from his domination. . . . Thus armed only 
with the Word of God, and trusting in his rod and staff, 
we may well be courageous and answer imposing secta- 
rianism as David answered the Philistine, " Thou comest 
to me with a sword and a spear and a javelin: but I come 
to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of . . . 
Israel, which thou hast defied." Z. '03-329. 



SEPTEMBER 5. 



Jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are 
coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. Cant. 8: 6. 

Jealousy is one of the great foes that confront every 
Christian. It should be slain on sight as an enemy of God 
and man and of every good principle ; and to the extent 
that its presence had defiled the heart even for a moment, 
a cleansing of the spirit of holiness and love should be in- 
voked. Jealousy is not only a cruel monster of itself, but 
its poisonous fangs are almost certain to inflict pain and 
trouble upon others, as Veil as to bring general woe and, 
ultimately, destruction upon those who harbor it. Jeal- 
ousy is sin in thought, wickedness in thought, and is very 
apt to lead speedily to sin and wickedness in action. The 
mind, if once poisoned with jealousy, can with great dif- 
ficulty ever be cleansed from it entirely, so rapidly does it 
bring everything within its environment to its own color 
and character. Z. '03-330. 



SEPTEMBER 6. 

There shall no evil befall thee. Psa. pi: 10. 

Nothing shall by any means hurt us. Things may in- 
terfere with our fleshly interests or comfort or course of 
affairs; but when we remember that we are not in the 
flesh but in the spirit, that it is as New Creatures that the 
Lord has promised us the Kingdom in his due time, we 
can realize that no outside influence can interfere with 
our real interests, our spiritual interests, nor hinder our 
attaining to the glories of the Kingdom which the Lord 
has promised to his faithful ones. Only our loss of con- 
fidence in the Lord and our unfaithfulness to him could 
separate us from his love and his promises. Z. 03-331. 



SEPTEMBER 7. 



// any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old 
things are passed away; behold all things are become new. 
2 Cor. 5: 17. 

* * * 

These New Creatures in Christ Jesus know each other 
not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. In 
each others' spirits or new minds there are the noblest 
sentiments, the highest aspirations, that which is good, 
true, noble, pure — whatever may be their weaknesses ac- 
cording to the flesh. They love each other from the new 
standpoint of intention, will, harmony with God, and 
their friendship for one another grows increasingly as 
they perceive each other's energy in fighting the good 
fight of faith against the evil influences of the world, the 
flesh and the Adversary. Nor tongue nor pen can prop- 
erly express the love, the friendship, which subsists be- 
tween these New Creatures in Christ Jesus, to whom old 
things have passed away, and all things have become new. 
Z. '03-333. 

SEPTEMBER 8. 

Know ye not that the friendship of the world is en- 
mity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of 
the world is the enemy of God. J as. 4: 4. 

% H< 5fc 

God has purposely placed the matter in such a position 
that his people must take their choice, and lose either the 
divine friendship and fellowship, or the worldly friend- 
ship and fellowship ; because those things which the Lord 
loves are distasteful to the worldly, and those things 
which the worldly love, evil deeds and evil thoughts, evil- 
speaking, are an abomination in the sight of the Lord, and 
those who love and practise such things lose his fellow- 
ship — they are not of his Spirit. " If any man have not 
the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." Z. '99-70. 



SEPTEMBER 9. 



That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of 
God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and per- 
verse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world, 
holding forth the word of life. Phil. 2: ij, 16. 

It is the duty of every child of God to be very active in 
the dissemination of the Truth — in letting his light shine, 
and in keeping it trimmed and burning. " Trimmed and 
burning ! " what does it mean ? It means that we must 
give very close attention to the words of life that we may 
come to an exact knowledge of the Truth, and that we 
must carefully and faithfully trim away every vestige of 
error as fast as it becomes apparent to us — whether it be 
an error in doctrine or in our daily walk and conversation 
— so that the pure light of divine truth may shine out 
with as little obstruction as possible through the medium 
of a clear and transparent character. Z. '03-358. 

SEPTEMBER 10. 

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your 
mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that 
it minister grace unto the hearers. Eph. 4 : 20. 

* * * 

The depraved taste hedges itself behind conscience, and 
declares that it is always right to speak the truth, and 
hence God cannot have meant that speaking the truth 
would be slander; but that in condemning evil speaking 
and slander, as works of the flesh and the devil, he must 
have meant the speaking of that which is false, untrue. 
This is a great mistake : a slander is equally a slander, 
whether it be true or whether it be false, and is so regarded, 
not only in the law of God, but also in the laws of civilized 
men. A slander is anything which is uttered with the 
intention of injury to another, whether true or false, and 
the laws of men agree with the law of God, that such in- 
jury to another is wrong. Z. '99-70. 



SEPTEMBER 11. 



Whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after 
me } cannot be my disciple. Luke 14: 27. 

* * * 

The Lord's cross-bearing consisted in the doing of the 
Father's will under unfavorable conditions. This course 
brought upon him the envy, hatred, malice, strife, perse- 
cution, etc., of those who thought themselves to be God's 
people, but whom our Lord, who read their hearts, de- 
clared to be of their father, the devil. Since we are walk- 
ing in the same " narrow way " that our Master walked, 
we may reasonably expect that our crosses will be of 
similar kind to his — -oppositions to our doing the will of 
our Father in heaven — oppositions to our serving his 
cause and letting the light shine out as our Master and 
Leader directed. Z. '03-345. 



SEPTEMBER 12. 

In your patience possess ye your souls. Luke 
21 : 1 p. 

* * * 

" Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be 
perfect and entire, wanting nothing," the Apostle ex- 
plains. Very evidently patience, therefore, includes 
other graces of character — implies their possession to a 
certain extent. Amongst the Lord's people patience 
surely must be preceded by faith, and the degree of pa- 
tience very generally measures the amount of faith. The 
Christian who finds himself impatient and restless evident- 
ly is lacking in faith toward the Lord ; for otherwise he 
would be able to rest in the Lord's gracious promises, and 
wait for their fulfilment. After using reasonable dili- 
gence and energy he should be content to leave the results 
and times and seasons with the Lord. Z. '03-361. 



SEPTEMBER 13. 



Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for breth- 
ren to dwell together in unity. Psa. 133 : 1. 

* * * 

Like our Lord, let us seek to be peacemakers, and to 
dwell together with all the brethren in the unity of the 
Spirit, in the bonds of peace. Let our activities, our 
combativeness, etc., be engaged against the great enemy 
and all the works of sin, — including those in our mem- 
bers, our own fallen flesh. We, and all the brethren, will 
thus find sufficient engagement for every combative ele- 
ment of our nature, in ways well pleasing to the Lord, and 
employment for every lovable and helpful quality we 
possess, in building one another up, and doing good unto 
all men as we have opportunity, especially to the house- 
hold of faith. Z. '03-363. 



SEPTEMBER 14. 

Having your conversation honest among the Gen- 
tiles: that , ivhereas they speak against you as evildoers, 
they may by your good works, which they shall behold, 
glorify God in the day of visitation. For this is thank- 
worthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, 
suffering wrongfully. 1 Pet. 2: 12, ig. 

* * * 

We may be evil reported of and slandered, but all who 
know us, who have dealings with us, should find from ex- 
perience our loyalty to principle, our endeavor that the 
words of our mouths as well as the meditations of our 
hearts and the conduct of life should be pleasing to the 
Lord and an honor to his name and cause, that God may 
be glorified through Christ, to whom belongs the glory 
and the Kingdom forever. Z. '03-365. 



SEPTEMBER 15. 



Come out from among them, and be ye separate, 
saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will 
receive you. 2 Cor. 6: 17. 

Those who conscientiously live separate from the world 
in spiritual matters, and recognize as brethren only those 
who confess to circumcision of the heart and adoption 
into God's family, will find themselves opposed by moral- 
ists, liberalists and higher critics, as well as by the masses, 
who hate the light, because it condemns their darkness — 
doctrinal and otherwise. Nevertheless, this is the only 
good and safe course to pursue. Better far is it that only 
true Israelites should be recognized as brethren, and thus 
the true wheat be separated from the tares. Z. '99-203. 



SEPTEMBER 16. 

The Lord will give strength unto his people; the 
Lord will bless his people with peace. Psa. 29: 11. 

* * # 

If you have trials and temptations which you are able 
to overcome, and which are working out in your character 
patience, experience, brotherly-kindness, sympathy and 
love, rejoice and offer the prayer of thanksgiving and 
acknowledgment of divine mercy and help. If your trials 
seem heavier than you can bear, and likely to crush you, 
take the matter to the great Burden-bearer, and ask his 
help in bearing whatever would do you good, and release 
from all that would do you no good, but which would in- 
jure you. Z. '96-163. 



SEPTEMBER 17. 



Christ in you, the hope of glory. Col. 1:2/. 
* * * 

Every true child of God must have a definite individual 
Christian character which is not dependent for its exist- 
ence upon the spiritual life of any other Christian. He 
must from the Word of Truth, proclaimed and exempli- 
fied by other Christians, draw those principles of life, etc., 
which give him an established character, a spiritual in- 
dividuality of his own. So positive and definite should 
be the spiritual individuality of every one, that, should 
even the beloved brother or sister whose spiritual life 
first nourished ours and brought us forward to complete- 
ness of character fall away (which the Apostle shows is 
not impossible — Heb. 6:4-6; Gal. 1:8), we would still 
live, being able to appropriate for ourselves the Spirit of 
Truth. Z. '03-375. 



SEPTEMBER 18. 

My presence shall go with thee, and I zvill give thee 
rest. Ex. 33 : 14. 

* * * 

The Lord is ever present with his people. He is always 
thinking of us, looking out for our interests, guarding us 
in danger, providing for us in temporal and spiritual 
things, reading our hearts, marking every impulse of lov- 
ing devotion to him, shaping the influences around us for 
our discipline and refining, and hearkening to our faintest 
call for aid or sympathy or fellowship with him. He is 
never for a moment off guard, whether we call him in the 
busy noon hours or in the silent watches of the night. 
How blessed the realization of such abiding faithfulness ! 
And no real child of God is devoid of this evidence of his 
adoption. Z. '03-376. 



SEPTEMBER 19. 



Sanctify them through thy Truth : thy word is Truth. 
J no. 17: 17. 

* 5f« * 

Our Lord always links the progress and development of 
our spiritual life with our receiving and obeying the 
Truth, and every child of God should beware of that 
teaching which claims to be in advance of the Word, and 
that Christ or the holy Spirit speaks to such advanced 
Christians independently of the Word. It cultivates 
spiritual pride and boastfulness, and renders powerless 
the warnings and expostulations of the sacred Scriptures 
because the deluded ones think they have a higher teacher 
dwelling in them. And Satan, taking advantage of the 
delusion, leads them captive at his will. Z. '03-377. 

SEPTEMBER 20. 

Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabit eth 
eternity , whose name is Holy ; I dwell in the high and holy 
place . . . to revive the spirit of the humble, and the 
heart of the contrite ones. Isa. 57: 15. 

Let us ever keep in memory that a broken and contrite 
heart the Lord never despises, will never spurn. There- 
fore, into whatever difficulty any of the Lord's people of 
the New Creation may stumble, if they find themselves 
hungering for the Lord's fellowship and forgiveness, if 
they find their hearts contrite and broken, let them not 
despair, but remember that God has made a provision 
through the merit of Christ which enables him to accept 
and justify freely from all sin all that come unto him 
through Jesus — through faith in his blood. . . . Those 
who have broken and contrite hearts on account of their 
sins may know that they have not committed " the sin 
unto death," for their condition of heart proves this, as 
the Apostle declares : " It is impossible to renew again 
unto repentance " any who have committed the sin unto 
death. Z. '03-383. 



SEPTEMBER 21. 



Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow 
of death, I will fear no evil. Psa. 23: 4. 

* * * 

The sheep of the little flock fear no evil because of the 
Lord's favor, because he is with them, on their side, and 
has shown his favor in the redemption price already paid. 
He is with them, too, in his word of promise — his assur- 
ance that death shall not mean extinction of life, but 
merely until the resurrection, an undisturbed sleep in 
Jesus. What wonder that these can walk through the 
valley of the shadow of death singing and making melody 
in their hearts to the Lord, calling upon their souls with 
all that is within them to praise and laud and magnify his 
great and holy name, who loved us and bought us with his 
precious blood, and has called us to joint-heirship with 
our dear Redeemer. Z. '03-413. 

SEPTEMBER 22. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the 
days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord 
forever. Psa. 23 : 6. 

* * * 

The goodness and mercy which we anticipate beyond 
the veil has its beginning here already and is thus to be 
appreciated. Whoever knows nothing of the joys of the 
Lord in the present time will evidently not be prepared 
for the joys of the Lord in the Kingdom, whatever bless- 
ings and joys he may attain to under the administration 
of the Kingdom during the Millennial Age. There is 
then joy and rejoicing granted to the Lord's faithful ones, 
not a momentary matter connected with their first ac- 
ceptance of the Lord and their consecration of them- 
selves to him. The goodness and mercy of the Lord is 
not to be looked back to as a thing of the remote past, but 
is to be recognized and appreciated as a thing of the pres- 
ent. Day by day God's goodness and mercy follow us, 
refresh us, strengthen us, bless us. Z. '03-413. 



SEPTEMBER 23. 



Ye should earnestly contend for the faith zvhich was 
once delivered unto the saints. Jude 3. 

* * * 

Our good fight of faith consists in a considerable meas- 
ure in our defence of the Word of God, which includes 
also our defence of the character of God. This will mean 
our willingness to stand for the Truth at any cost and 
against any number of assailants — against the creeds and 
theories of men, which would misrepresent the good tid- 
ings of great joy which the Lord and the Apostles have 
announced, and which shall, thank God, yet be unto all 
people. As the Apostle again says, " I am set for the de- 
fence of the Truth." We can do no less than defend the 
Truth. The Truth is God's representative, Christ's repre- 
sentative, and hence our standard, and as true soldiers we 
must defend our standard, even unto death. Z. '03-423. 

SEPTEMBER 24. 

/ keep my body under, and bring it into subjection, 
. . . lest I myself should be a castaway. 1 Cor. 9: 2/. 

There is a tendency for the body, the flesh, to arise from 
its condition of reckoned deadness, hence the new nature 
needs to be continually on the alert to maintain its ascen- 
dency, to fight the good fight of faith and to gain the 
prize as an overcomer. These battlings of the new mind 
against the flesh are a good fight in the sense that they are 
fightings against sins and weaknesses that belong to the 
fallen nature. They are a fight of faith in the sense that 
the entire course of the New Creature is a course of faith, 
as the Apostle says, " We walk by faith and not by sight." 
... It is a fight of faith in the sense that no one could 
keep up this battle against his own flesh and its propen- 
sities and desires, except as he can exercise faith in the 
promises and in the Lord as his helper. Z. '03-425. 



SEPTEMBER 25. 



Who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteous- 
ness [justification], and solidification, and redemption [de- 
liverance], i Cor. i: 30. 

* * * 

He who redeemed us, or bought us with the sacrifice of 
his own life, gives us, as our Prophet or Teacher, wisdom 
by his Gospel, to see our fallen state and himself as our 
helper; as our Priest, he first justifies us and then sancti- 
fies or consecrates us, as his under priesthood; and finally, 
as King, he will fully deliver the faithful from the domin- 
ion of sin and death, to the glory, honor and immortality 
of the divine nature; — for "God will raise up [from the 
dead] us also, by Jesus. 

" Hallelujah ! What a Savior ! " 
Truly he is able and willing to save to the uttermost all 
that come unto God by him. Z. '03-440. 

SEPTEMBER 26. 

Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in 
whom all the building fitly framed together groweth into 
an holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded 
together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Eph. 
2 : 20-22. 

* * * 

Let us, as day after day rolls by, remember our three- 
fold relationship to this Temple: (1) We are still in pro- 
cess of preparation as living stones. (2) As members of 
the Royal Priesthood carrying the Ark we are marching 
from the Tabernacle into the Temple condition ; some of 
our number have already entered in and some are still on 
the way. (3) As the Lord's people the time has come for 
us to know, to sing with the spirit and understanding, the 
new song of divine mercy, justice, love and truth. Let us 
be faithful in each of these respects, fulfilling our parts, 
and ere long our course will be ended and the glory of the 
Lord will fill the Temple. Z. '03-443. 



SEPTEMBER 27. 



Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Matt. 4: 7. 

Temptations continually assail the Lord's people — sug- 
gestions to do some wonderful works in his name, and to 
thus prove to themselves and to others that they are 
heaven's favorites. The lesson for us to learn is that 
the work which the Father has given us to do is not a 
work of convincing the world or of showing his favor 
toward us and our greatness in him, but rather that we 
should quietly and humbly, yet as effectively as reason 
and propriety will permit, let our lights shine, and show 
forth the praises of him who hath called us from darkness 
into his marvelous light, and from a desire to be wonder- 
workers to the reasonable position of servants, ministers 
of the Truth. Z. '04-9. 

SEPTEMBER 28. 

Your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh 
about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stead- 
fast in the faith. 1 Pet. 5 : 8, p. 

* * * 

This thought of Satan's opposition to us, and that we 
are contending not merely with flesh and blood but with 
principalities and powers and wicked spirits in high posi- 
tions of power, would be appalling to us did we not on the 
other hand realize that by positiveness of decision we 
acquire great helps and assistances by other unseen 
powers. From that moment of our positive resistance 
of temptation and positive standing up for the Lord and 
his cause, we become stronger in the Lord and in the 
power of his might, and greater is he that is for us than 
all that be against us. Z. '04-11. 

Hesitancy after the wrong is seen increases the power 
of the temptation. Z. '00-32. 



SEPTEMBER 29. 

Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination 
to the Lord. Prov. 16 : 5. 

* * * 

One of the severe ordeals of the New Creature is the 
conquering of the love of the spirit of worldliness under 
the leadership of pride. Worldly pride challenges faith 
in God and obedience to him, and only those who are of 
good courage and full of confidence in the Lord can over- 
come this giant. It is necessary, too, that the victory 
should be made complete — that pride should be thorough- 
ly humiliated, killed, so that it can never rise up again to 
destroy us. It is an individual battle, and the only proper 
armament against this giant is a stone from the brook, 
the message of the Lord, showing us what is pleasing and 
acceptable in his sight, and assuring us that he that hum- 
bleth himself shall be exalted and he that exalteth him- 
self shall be abased. As the poet has expressed it : — 
" Where boasting ends, true dignity begins." 

Z. '03-329. 

SEPTEMBER 30. 

The love of Christ constraineth us. 2 Cor. 5; 14. 

* * * 

It seems impossible to describe love itself; the best we 
can do is to describe its conduct. Those who possess a 
love with such characteristics are able to appreciate it, 
but not able otherwise to explain it — it is of God, God- 
likeness in heart, in the tongue, in the hands, in the 
thoughts — supervising all the human attributes and seek- 
ing fully to control them. 

As disciples or pupils of Christ, we are in his school, and 
the great lesson which he is teaching us day by day, and 
the lesson which we must learn thoroughly if we would 
attain the mark of the prize of our high calling in all its 
various features and ramifications, is the lesson of love. 
It takes hold upon and relates to all the words and 
thoughts and doings of our daily lives. As the poet has 
said, 

" As every lovely hue is light, — so every grace is love." 

Z. '03-55, 58. 



• OCTOBER 1. 



/ will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my 
tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the 
wicked is before me. Psa. 39: i. 

If. Sfj Jjc 

Probably every person of experience will fully agree 
with the statement that the tongue is potent in its influ- 
ence beyond any other member of the body, for either 
good or evil. Experience teaches also that with the vast 
majority it is easier to control any other organ than the 
tongue. So skilful a servant is it that every ambition and 
passion and inclination of the fallen nature seeks to use it 
as a servant or channel for evil. It requires, therefore, on 
the part of the Christian, increased vigilance, wisdom and 
care so as to govern this member of his body and bring it 
into subjection to the new mind in Christ, that it shall be, 
not a hindrance to himself or to others, but, on the con- 
trary, a help in the narrow way. Z. '97-156. 

OCTOBER 2. 

Forgetting those things which are behind. Phil. 

* * * 

We forget the things that are behind, because it is 
right that we should do so. Because God forgets them, 
and declares that he has cast all of our imperfections be- 
hind his back ; that our imperfections are all covered from 
his sight, by the merit of him who loved us and who died 
for us, and whom we love, and in whom we are trusting, 
and in whose steps we are seeking to walk with more or 
less of imperfection according to the defects we have in- 
herited in the flesh. We are not meaning to suggest that 
slips or failures should be lightly esteemed or quickly for- 
gotten; they should be rectified to the extent of our 
ability, and Divine forgiveness should be sought for these 
defects daily. Z. '04-23. 



OCTOBER 3. 



Great peace have they which love thy law, and noth- 
ing shall offend them. Psa. up: 165. 

* * * 

Our requests should be, increasingly, for grace and 
wisdom and the fruits of the Spirit and opportunities for 
serving the Lord and the brethren, and for growing more 
and more into the likeness of God's dear Son. . . . Under 
these conditions who can doubt that the promised 
" peace of God beyond all understanding " would " guard " 
such " hearts " and their " thoughts ? " This peace would 
of itself dispel one of the great evils that afflict the hearts 
of many. Selfishness and ambition would find little room 
in a heart so filled. Divine peace can dwell in our hearts, 
and rule in them, so as to keep out the worry and turmoil 
of the world, even when we are surrounded by these dis- 
advantageous conditions — even when the Adversary him- 
self is besetting us through deceived agents. Z. '04-24. 

OCTOBER 4. 

Jesus saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make 
you fishers of men. Matt. 4: 19. 

All of life's affairs will teach us lessons profitable 
throughout its future, if we will receive them. Perhaps 
there was something peculiarly helpful in the fishing busi- 
ness — something peculiarly like the great work in which 
the apostles were to engage the remainder of their lives. 
Our Lord intimates this in his call. Fishing requires 
energy, tact, proper bait and that the fisherman keep 
himself out of sight. And these four things are requisites 
in the spiritual fishing in which the Lord privileges us to 
engage. We are to remember that as fish are easily 
alarmed when they find that any one wishes to take them, 
so humanity is shy of being captured by anything — espec- 
ially if they have the least suspicion that they may lose 
their liberties : and thus consecration appears to the world. 
Z. '04-26, 27. 



OCTOBER 5. 



Consider him who endured such contradiction of sin- 
ners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your 
minds. Heb. 12 : 3. 

* * * 

Alas, how many of God's true children become weary 
and faint in their minds, and are in danger of losing the 
chief prize because they have failed to think upon, to 
study out, to comprehend, to consider the Lord and what 
he faithfully endured of opposition. As they would con- 
sider his perfection and how, as represented in him, the 
light shined in darkness and was not appreciated, so they 
would expect that the light shining from them would not 
be appreciated either. As they would consider how the 
Lord suffered in every sense unjustly and for righteous- 
ness' sake, and then would reflect that their own conduct, 
even though well meant, is imperfect, it would strengthen 
them to endure hardness as good soldiers, and not to be 
weary in well doing, and not to faint under opposition. 
Z. '04-38 . 

OCTOBER 6. 

Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of: the 
Son of man came not to destroy men's lives but to save 
them. Luke p: 56. 

* * * 

So with all of the Lord's disciples : their continual study 
should be to avoid that hypercritical disposition to sen- 
tence and to destroy other people while desiring mercy for 
themselves. The rule which the Lord establishes is that 
we must expect from him mercy only in proportion as we 
shall exercise this grace toward others. The fault-finding 
disposition that is ready to accuse and condemn every- 
body, indicates a wrong condition of heart — one which 
all the Lord's people should be on guard against. Mercy, 
goodness, love, are the elements of character which he de- 
sires to see in the spiritual Israelites, and without which 
we cannot long continue to be his children. Z. '04-43. 



« 



OCTOBER 7. 

Every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and 
doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which 
built his house upon the sand. Matt. 7 : 26. 

The hopes built upon the Lord's promises and unac- 
companied by works are hopes built upon the sand. It 
is only a question of time until the great testing time 
shall come and such hopes will be shown to be worse than 
useless. They will be shown to have deceived their pos- 
sessor, who thought himself safe in his assurances of a 
share in the Kingdom. On the contrary, those who build 
with obedience, their hearts as well as their tongues con- 
fessing and honoring the Lord, their deeds corroborating 
their faith, and their fruits bearing testimony of their 
vital relationship with the Lord — these shall pass through 
all the storms of life and shall never be moved, never be 
shaken, because they are on the foundation. Z. '04-46. 

OCTOBER 8. 

Be not deceived, . . . he that soweth to the flesh 

shall of the flesh reap corruption, but he that soweth to the 

Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Gal. 6: 7, 8. 
* * * 

We sow to the flesh every time we allow the fleshly, 
selfish, unjust, unrighteous desires of the flesh to have 
sway in our hearts and lives, and each sowing makes 
easier the additional sowing and makes more sure the end 
of that way which is death — Second Death. On the con- 
trary, each sowing to the Spirit, each resistance to the de- 
sires of the flesh toward selfishness, etc., and each exer- 
cise of the new mind, of the new will, in spiritual direc- 
tions toward the things that are pure, the things that are 
noble, the things that are good, the things that are true, 
is a sowing to the Spirit, which will bring forth additional 
fruits of the Spirit, graces of the Spirit, and which, if per- 
severed in, will ultimately bring us in accord with the 
Lord's gracious promises and arrangements — everlasting 
life and the Kingdom. Z. '04-57. 



OCTOBER 9. 



Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith ? Matt. 

8:26. 

Each experience should be helpful to us. If at first we 
were fearful and cried aloud, by and by we received the 
succor, with perhaps the reprimand, " O, thou of little 
faith ; " but as lesso.n after lesson has come to us, the Mas- 
ter will expect — and we should expect of ourselves — 
greater faith, greater trust, greater peace, greater joy in 
the Lord, greater confidence in his presence with us and 
his care over us, and in his pov/er to deliver us from the 
Adversary and from every evil thing, and to bring us 
eventually in safety to the port we seek — the heavenly 
Kingdom. Z. '04-60. 



OCTOBER 10. 

Ye have put off the old man zvith his deeds, and have 
put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after 
the image of him that created him. Col. 3: p, 10. 

^ ^ ^ 

Only in our minds, in our wills, have the old things 
passed away and all things become new. Actually, this 
change will be accomplished when this mortal shall have, 
put on immortality, when this corruptible shall be raised 
in incorruption — raised in glory, in power, spirit beings. 
But meantime, in order to be counted worthy of a share 
in the First Resurrection, it is required of us that we shall 
demonstrate our willingness of mind, our earnest desire 
to be all that the Lord would have us be ; and in no way 
can this be better demonstrated to the Lord and to our- 
selves, or prove more helpful, than by keeping a strict 
surveillance of our hearts and of our thoughts. Z. '04-25. 



OCTOBER 11. 



Be ye clean, tjiat bear the vessels of the Lord. Isa. 
52: 11. 

* * * 

The divine method seems to be to make a clear separa- 
tion between the servants of God and the servants of 
evil. The privilege of testifying for God or being am- 
bassadors for the Truth is a favor reserved for the Lord's 
own people. He seeketh not the evil one nor the fallen 
demons nor evil men or women to be heralds of the good 
tidings. The Lord's people should note this matter care- 
fully, and resent the services of any who do not give evi- 
dences of being in heart-union with the Lord. " Unto the 
wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to take my cove- 
nant into thy mouth? Seeing thou hatest instruction, and 
casteth my words behind thee?" Psa. 50:16,17. Z. 
'04-28. 

OCTOBER 12. 

Consider the lilies of the Held, how they grow. Matt. 

6:28. 

* * * 

Our Lord calls attention to how such simple things in 
nature should be studied, be considered. The lessons to 
be learned in connection with all the affairs of life will be 
helpful to such as approach the study from the right 
standpoint, of faith in the Creator, and a realization that 
he is necessarily the embodiment and representative of 
the very highest and very noblest qualities of which the 
human mind could conceive ; — that he is perfect in Jus- 
tice, perfect in Wisdom, perfect in Power, perfect in Love. 
. . . The heart that thus considers makes progress, grows 
in grace, in knowledge, in love. The heart that fails to 
consider the little things fails to be able to appreciate the 
larger things, and thus is hindered from a proper con- 
sideration of God and from a proper appreciation of his 
plan, and thus from a proper appreciation of his char- 
acter. Z. 04-37, 38. 



OCTOBER 13. 



I will show thee my faith by my works. J as. 2: 18. 
* * # 

While the Lord's people of the present age are not to be 
judged by their works but by their faith, nevertheless, 
works will be required. By our works we demonstrate 
our faith, and, thank God, imperfect works can demon- 
strate to him the loyalty of our intentions, our wills. . . . 
If our works demonstrate to the Lord the sincerity of our 
faith, that faith will be acceptable to him and we will be 
counted perfect and be granted a share in the Kingdom, 
and all the great and precious things which the Lord has 
in reservation for those who love him — not merely in word 
but also in deeds — for those who strive by the deeds of life 
to show forth, to demonstrate, their love. Z. '04-45. 



OCTOBER 14. 

To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the 
Lord than sacrifice. Prov. 21: 3. 

* * * 

We are to grow in love, and love is the principal thing; 
but before we can make much development in the cultiva- 
tion of love, we must learn to be just, right, righteous. It 
is a proper presentation of the matter that is given in the 
proverb, that a man should be just before he is generous. 
It behooves the Lord's people, therefore, the New Crea- 
tion, that they study this subject of justice continually and 
daily put into practice the lessons inculcated in the divine 
Word. Such as get this proper foundation of character 
before they begin to build love will find that they are 
making progress properly. All love that is founded upon 
injustice or wrong ideas of righteousness is delusive, is 
not the love which the Lord will require as the test of dis- 
cipleship. Z. '04-56, 57. 



OCTOBER 15. 



Have faith in God. Mark it: 22. 

* * * 

Our daily experiences since we became the Lord's fol- 
lowers have been guided and guarded apparently by the 
power unseen, to the intent that as pupils in the school of 
Christ, we may all be taught of him and develop more and 
more of the graces of the Spirit, and particularly more 
faith. How important this item of faith is we probably 
cannot fully appreciate now. It seems to be the one 
thing that the Lord specially seeks for in those now called 
to be followers. ... So according to our faith will we be 
able to rejoice even in tribulation. We cannot enjoy the 
sufferings; we can enjoy the thought which faith attaches 
to them, namely, that these are but light afflictions work- 
ing out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of 
glory. Z. '04-59. 

OCTOBER 16. 

He maketh the storm a calm. Psa. 107: 20. 

* * * 

We of today represent the Lord's cause in the midst of 
the raging elements of human passions, oppositions, etc., 
and our hearts would be at times dismayed except as faith 
is able to see the Lord with us in the ship, and able to 
grasp the thought of his mighty power in his own time 
and way to speak peace to the world. ... It must not 
surprise us, however, if a dark hour is before us — if the 
time shall come when the stormy winds will be so fierce 
that many will cry out in fear and trembling. Let us 
learn well the precious experiences of the present time, so 
that then our faith shall not fail us — so that in the darkest 
hour we shall be able to sing and to rejoice in him who 
loved us and bought us with his own precious blood, and 
to sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Z. '04-60. 



OCTOBER 17. 



He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his 
wings shalt thou trust. Psa. pi: 4. 

sje * * 

So close to his heart does Jehovah gather his loyal and 
faithful children that they feel the warmth of his love, and 
the responsive language of their hearts is, " I will abide in 
thy tabernacle " — under thy protection — " forever : " " I 
will trust in the covert of thy wings ; for thou hast been a 
shelter for me and a strong tower from the enemy; for 
thou hast heard my vows "—my consecration — " thou hast 
given me the heritage of those that fear thy name." (Psa. 
61:4,3, 5.) Z. '04-75. 

" I will sing of thy power: yea, I will sing aloud of thy 
mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defense and 
refuge in the day of my trouble." Psa. 59 : 16. 



OCTOBER 18. 

He that is slothful in his work is brother to him that 
is a great waster. Prov. 18: p. 

We cannot see wastefulness in any of the Lord's conse- 
crated people without feeling that, however great prog- 
ress they have made in understanding the mind of the 
Lord in some respects, they are still deficient in this par- 
ticular. An appreciation of the gift and respect for the 
Giver implies carefulness and a stewardship in respect to 
all that comes to us from our heavenly Father — things 
temporal and things spiritual. According to our Lord's 
parables he is measuring our love and zeal in a consider- 
able degree by our use or abuse of the talents, opportuni- 
ties, blessings, temporal and spiritual, now bestowed upon 
us. Z. '04-77. 



OCTOBER 19. 



Freely ye have received, freely give. Matt. 10: 8. 

* * * 

Let us be on the alert to give to all who are hungering 
and thirsting the blessed food which has so greatly re- 
freshed and strengthened us. If they do not get it they 
will faint by the way as they go looking for other pro- 
visions. We have the very thing which all of the house- 
hold of faith need; without it they cannot maintain their 
standing, they cannot press on, they shall surely become 
discouraged. Whatever we may have of financial means 
for sending forth the bread of life to others, or whatever 
we may have of knowledge of the Truth, is neither to be 
selfishly hoarded nor selfishly partaken of by ourselves. 
It is to be consecrated to the Lord, and out of that conse- 
cration the Lord will bring blessing to others and in- 
creased blessings upon our own heads and hearts. Z. 
'04-78. 

OCTOBER 20. 

Be ye wise as serpents, and harmless as ' doves. 
Matt. 10: 16. 

* \ * 

Oh, that all of the Lord's dear people could learn the 
value of wisdom in connection with their endeavors to 
serve the Truth ! Our Lord not only taught us to be 
wise as serpents and harmless as doves, but he exemplified 
this lesson in his own course, saying on another occasion 
to the apostles, " I have many things to tell you, but ye 
cannot bear them now." W r e, too, should learn that there 
are opportune and inopportune times for mentioning cer- 
tain truths, and that there are wise and unwise methods 
of presenting them. It is not enough that we do not 
speak untruths; it is not enough that we speak the truth; 
additionally we should see to it that we speak the truth 
in love, and love that is trained uses wisdom that it may 
accomplish more good. Z. 04-91. 



OCTOBER 21. 



Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy 
name. Luke n : 2. 

This expresses adoration, appreciation of divine good- 
ness and greatness, and a corresponding reverence. In 
addressing our petition to the Lord our first thought is to 
be, not a selfish one respecting ourselves, nor a thought 
respecting the interests of others precious to us, but God 
is to be first in all of our thoughts and aims and calcula- 
tions. We are to pray for nothing that would not be in 
accord with the honor of our heavenly Father's name; we 
are to wish for nothing for ourselves, or for our dear ones, 
that he would not fully approve and commission us to 
pray for. Perhaps no quality of heart is in greater dan- 
ger of being blotted out amongst professing Christians 
than this thought of reverence for God. Z. '04-118. 

OCTOBER 22. 

Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink off 
Matt. 20 : 22. 

* >K sji 

The courage of our Lord in the narrow way fills us with 
admiration. What a strong character was his ! He had 
no thought of turning back; he was intent upon accom- 
plishing his Father's will — upon sacrificing himself in the. 
interest of others. A noble pattern the apostles saw be- 
fore them — greatness in humility, victory through service. 

It is well that we- should have clearly before our minds 
that unless we partake of his cup and are immersed into 
his death, we can have no share in his Kingdom of glory. 
Let us then count all things else as loss and dross to obtain 
this necessary experience. As it comes to us let us not be 
fearful, nor think strange of the fiery trials that shall try 
us, as though some strange thing had happened unto us. 
On the contrary, even hereunto were we called, that we 
might now suffer with the Lord and by and by be glorified 
together with him. Z. '04-138, 139. 



OCTOBER 23. 



Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your 
servant. Matt. 20: 27. 

Amongst the Gentiles the rulers are lords, who do no 
serving but are served, but among the followers of Jesus 
the rule is to be reversed ; he who would serve most was to 
be esteemed most highly. What a beauty there is in the 
divine order of things ! how thoroughly all who are right 
minded can sympathize with the principles here laid down ! 
How reasonable they are and how contrary to the 
spirit of the world. Truly, the Lord's followers will in 
this sense of the word be a peculiar people in their 
zeal for good works — for serving one another and for 
doing good unto all men as they have opportunity. Z. 
'04-140. 

OCTOBER 24. 

And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one 
Simon, . . . and on him they laid the cross, that he might 
bear it after Jesus. Luke 23: 26. 

* * * 

We have often wondered, Where were Peter and John 
and James that they did not see the Master's burden and 
run to proffer assistance? If disposed to envy Simon his 
privilege of assisting the Master in the bearing of the 
cross, let us reflect that many of the Lord's brethren are 
daily bearing symbolic crosses, and that it is our privilege 
to assist them, and that the Lord agrees to reckon any 
service done to his faithful followers as though it were 
rendered to his own person. ... As the wooden cross 
was not our Lord's heaviest burden, so, too, his followers 
have crosses which the world sees not, but which the 
" brethren " should understand. " Bear ye one another's 
burdens and thus fulfil the law of Christ." Z. '04-155. 



■I • •••."•<•. 



OCTOBER 25. 



Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with the 
good, 2 Chron. ip: n. 

* * * 

Whoever has a duty to perform let him not fear, and 
while seeking to do unpleasant tasks in a kindly manner, 
both justly and lovingly, let us fear not man, but rather 
fear the Lord and be intent on pleasing him. 

Let the world fight its fight : the Lord will supervise and 
the results will be glorious eventually. Let us who be- 
long to the new nation, to the new Kingdom that is not of 
this world, who use no carnal weapons, but the sword of 
the Spirit — let us fight the good fight of faith, lay hold 
upon the glorious things set before us, and not only stand 
ourselves, but help all those begotten of the same Spirit 
and members of the same heavenly army corps to stand, 
complete in him who is the Head of the body, the Captain 
of our Salvation. Z. '04-207, 205. 

OCTOBER 26. 

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for 
you. 1 Pet. 5: 7. 

* * * 

This is a very consoling and encouraging suggestion 
from the Word. However, the Lord's people are to learn 
more and more distinctly, as their years of membership 
in God's family and tutelage in the school of Christ go 
on, that they are not to ask the Lord to guide their ef- 
forts according to their wisdom ; that they are not to re- 
quest that their wills shall be done either on earth or in 
heaven, but rather, telling the Lord their burdens, great 
and small, they are to realize and appropriate to them- 
selves his sympathy and love, and to apply to their own 
hearts as a balm the consoling assurances of his Word, 
that he is both able and willing to make all of their experi- 
ences profitable to them if they abide in him with con- 
fidence and trust. Z. '04-237. 



OCTOBER 27. 

My times are in thy hand. Psa. 31: 15. 
* * * 

All of the Lord's consecrated servants devoted their 
lives to sacrifice when they became followers of the Lamb 
and if they could but realize their consecration continual- 
ly, they would be ready for the consummation at any mo- 
ment at the Lord's pleasure and by whatever means or 
channel his providences may permit. The Lord's conse- 
crated ones of the Elijah class are to remember that not 
a hair of their heads could fall without their Father's 
knowledge and permission, and the attitude of their hearts 
should be that expressed by our dear Redeemer — the Head 
of the Elijah body — " The cup which my Father hath 
poured for me, shall I not drink it ? " The language of 
their hearts should be that expressed by the poet : 
" Content whatever lot I see, 
Since 'tis my God that leadeth me." 

Z. '04-237. 

OCTOBER 28. 

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because he 
hath anointed me . . . to comfort all that mourn, . . . to 
give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning. 
Isa. 61: i, 2. 

Our commission is to seek out the meek and the mourn- 
ing ones, who have appreciated their own shortcomings 
and weaknesses, and who are looking for refuge and de- 
liverance. It is part of our commission to point them to 
the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world, 
to point them to the beauty of the resurrection for the 
ashes of death, and the glories which the Lord has prom- 
ised by and by to take the place of the spirit of heaviness 
and disappointment and sorrow and trouble of this pres- 
ent time. It is our commission to tell such that " Joy 
cometh in the morning," and to assist them to arise and 
at once put on the garments of praise, and to begin to 
walk in newness of life, with a " new song in their mouths 
— even the loving-kindness of our God." Z. '04-295. 



OCTOBER 29. 

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we 
are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not for- 
saken; cast down, but not destroyed: always bearing about 
in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus. 2 Cor. 4: 8, p. 

* # * 

Those who joyfully endure for the Lord's sake, the 
Truth's sake, the greatest shame, the greatest ignominy, 
the greatest trials, the greatest persecutions in this pres- 
ent life, and thus have experiences most like those of the 
Master and Pattern, we may be sure will in proportion to 
their faithfulness manifested in such sacrifices, have a 
future great reward ; — as the Apostle has declared, " star 
differeth from star in glory." Z. '01-55. 



OCTOBER 30. 

No man can serve tzvo masters. Matt. 6: 24. 
* * * 

" Ye cannot serve God and Mammon." Experience and 
observation corroborate this; and hence as a rule we find 
that people are either cold or hot in spiritual things. . . . 
We are to " seek first [chiefly] the Kingdom of God." It 
is to be our chief concern and to receive from us all the 
time, attention, thought, energy, influence and means we 
have — the things needful for the present life being under- 
stood to be excepted ; and our love and zeal will be mani- 
fested by the proportion of even these which we are will- 
ing to sacrifice in the interest of heavenly things. Z. 
'01-61. 



OCTOBER 31. 

Because thy lovingkindness (favor) is better than 
life, my lips shall praise thee. Psa. 63: 3. 

* * * 

Those who have tasted of the Lord's grace, those who 
have come to realize his favor as better than life, and who 
have joyfully laid upon his altar every earthly good 
thing, and hope and ambition, rejoice to tell the good 
tidings to others; they rejoice to tell forth the praises of 
him who called them out of darkness into his marvelous 
light. The message is too good to keep; they not only do 
not require to be hired to tell it, but they are willing that 
the telling of it, and the enjoying of God's favor in con- 
nection with the telling, shall cost them something — cost 
them trouble, cost them money, cost them the loss of 
earthly friendships, cost the straining, if not the break- 
ing, of some home ties, cost them the frown of the world 
and of churchianity. Z. '01-246. 



NOVEMBER 1. 

Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth: keep the 
door of my lips. Psa. 141 : J. 

ifs ijc 

The number of watchmen, or pickets doing duty and 
standing guard over our actions and words will be fewer 
in proportion as the picket line guarding our minds, our 
thoughts, is a strong one. It is here that we need to be 
especially on the alert. " Out of the abundance of the 
heart the mouth speaketh." This general truth is par- 
ticularly exemplified in the regenerate, who are more 
open in their conduct and language, proportionately,, than 
others. Having the right sentiments at heart they are 
less on their guard in respect to their manner of expres- 
sion perhaps than previously; but all the more, they need 
to remember the words of the Apostle, " If any man % sin 
not with his lips, the same is a perfect man." Jas. 3 : 2. 
Z. '04-23. 



i 



! 



NOVEMBER 2. 



It is the Lord; let him do zvhat seemeth him good. I 
Sam. 3 : 18. 

* * * 

We know not what is for our highest welfare. Some- 
times those things which we crave and desire to grasp, 
considering them to be good, might really be to our disad- 
vantage. Blessed are they who are able by faith to pierce 
the gloom of every trial < and difficulty and perplexity, 
and to realize that " The Lord knoweth them that are his," 
and that he is causing all things to work together for 
their good. Z. '01-148. 

We are to wait patiently for the Lord, and to take pa- 
tiently such experiences as his providences may mark out 
for us, questioning not the wisdom, the love and the 
power of him with whom we have to do. Z. '01-317. 

NOVEMBER 3. 

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation : 
the spirit indeed is zmlling, but the flesh is zveak. Matt. 
26: 41. 

# * * 

Some make the mistake of praying without watching; 
others make the mistake of watching without praying; 
but the safe and only proper method is that which our 
Lord directed, to combine the two. W e are to watch, and 
to be on our guard against the encroachments of the 
world, the flesh and the devil. We are to watch for all 
the encouragements of the Lord's Word, the evidence of 
their fulfilment, the signs that betoken his presence and 
the great changes of dispensation just at hand. We are 
to watch for everything that will strengthen us in faith 
and hope and loyalty and love and while watching we 
are to pray without ceasing. We are to pray together as 
the Lord's people; we are to pray in our homes, as fami- 
lies; we are to pray in secret, in private. Z. '01-80. 



NOVEMBER 4. 



He made himself of no reputation, and took upon 
him the form of a servant. Phil. 2: 7. 

* * # 

As no man is able to serve two masters and satisfy 
both, and do justice to both, their interests conflicting, 
no more can we serve God and righteousness, and at the 
same time be pleasing and acceptable to the Adversary 
and those who are in harmony with him who now rules in 
this present dispensation/' the " prince of this world.'' 
All of the Lord's consecrated people, those who would 
lay up treasures in heaven and be rich toward God, must 
be willing to become of no reputation amongst those who 
are not consecrated, and who, whatever their professions, 
are really serving Mammon, selfishness, the present life, 
and not sacrificing these interests to the attainment of 
the heavenly Kingdom. Z. '00-318. 



NOVEMBER 5. 

Having an high priest over the house of God, let us 
draw near with a true heart^in .full assurance of faith. 
Heb. 10: 2i, 22. 

Let us remember that he who has begun the good work 
changes never, and that if our hearts are still in harmony 
with him, if our faith is still clear and firm in the great 
atonement, if our consecration is still full and complete, 
so that we seek not our own wills but his will to be done 
in our affairs, then we may indeed have the full assurance 
of faith, because knowing that God is unchangeable, and 
knowing that we are still in line with his promises and ar- 
rangements, we know that ail of his gracious providences 
are still being exercised on our behalf. This is full assur- 
ance of faith — full confidence in the Lord. Z. '00-170. 



NOVEMBER 6. 

/ beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of 
God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, 
acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 
Rom. 12: 1. 

# * * 

To render all we have to the Lord's service is not only a 
reasonable thing, but an offering far too small — far less 
than what we would like to render to him who has mani- 
fested such compassion and grace toward us. And we 
should feel thus, even if there were no rewards attached 
to such a consecration of ourselves. But inasmuch as 
God has attached great rewards and blessings, we should 
feel not only that a refusal to accept would be an indica- 
tion of non-appreciation of divine mercy, but an indica- 
tion also of weakness of mind, of judgment, which is un- 
able to balance the trifling and transitory pleasures of 
self-will for a few short years, with an eternity of joy and 
blessing and glory, *m harmony with the Lord. Z. '00-170. 

NOVEMBER 7. 

And I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for 
the witness of Jesus, and for the Word of God. Rev. 
20: 4. * * * 

Although this beheading is figurative and not literal, it 
nevertheless has a deep significance. ... It signifies, not 
only death to self-will, but also to be cut off from all other 
heads, governments and law-givers, and to recognize no 
" head " but Jesus, whom God hath appointed to be the 
Head of the Church, which is his body — the head of every 
member of it. It means, not only to be cut off from in- 
stitutional heads and authorities, but also to cease to have 
heads and wills of our own, and to accept, instead, the 
headship, the will, of our Lord Jesus. It is the same 
thought that is drawn to our attention by the Apostle in 
Romans 6 : 3, where he declares that we are baptized into 
the body of Christ, as members of that body, under the one 
Head, Christ, by being baptized into his death,— a full 
consecration of our wills, and ultimately a full laying 
down of our lives, faithfully unto death. Z. '00-285. 



NOVEMBER 8. 

Thou shah not take the name of the Lord thy God In 
rain. Ex. 20: 7. 

* * * 

Although this commandment was not given to spiritual 
Israel we can readily see how the spirit of it comes to 
us. . . . We have taken the name' of Christ as our name. 
We are counted as members of the body of Christ. The 
holy name of the Head belongs to all the members of the 
body. The honored name of the Bridegroom belongs to 
his espoused. What carefulness the thought of this should 
give us, and how appropriately we should say to our- 
selves : — " I must see to it that I have not taken the Lord's 
name in vain, — that I appreciate the honor, dignity and 
responsibility of my position as his representative and am- 
bassador in the world. I will walk circumspectly, seeking 
as far as possible to bring no dishonor to that name, but 
contrariwise to honor it in every thought and word and 
deed." Z. '04-73. 

NOVEMBER 9. 

The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit 
against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the 
other : so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Gal. 

:je i}c 

Here is the great and continual battle, for although the 
new will asserts itself and puts the body under and com- 
pels its subjection to the new mind, nevertheless the mor- 
tal body, not being actually dead, is continually coming 
in contact with the world and the Adversary and is con- 
tinually being stimulated by these and reinvigorated with 
earthly cares, ambitions, methods, strivings, conflicts and 
insubordination to our new will. Xo saint is without ex- 
periences of this kind — fightings without and within. It 
must be a fight to the finish or the great prize for which 
we fight will not be gained. For although the Xew Crea- 
ture masters the mortal body by the Lord's grace and 
strength repeatedly, nevertheless until death there can be 
no cessation of the conflict. Z. '03-424. 



NOVEMBER 10. 



Love . . . rejoiceth not in iniquity, bat rejoiceth in 
the Truth, i Cor. 13 : 6. 

* * * 

Are the principles of right and wrong so firmly fixed in 
my mind, and am I so thoroughly in accord with the 
right and so opposed to the wrong that I would not en- 
courage the wrong, but must condemn it, even if it 
brought advantage to me? Am I so in accord with right, 
with truth, that I could not avoid rejoicing in the Truth 
and in its prosperity, even to the upsetting of some of 
my preconceived opinions, or to the disadvantage of some 
of my earthly interests ? The love of God, which the 
Apostle is here describing as the spirit of the Lord's peo- 
ple, is a love which is far above selfishness, and is based 
upon fixed principles which should, day by day, be more 
and more distinctly discerned, and always firmly adhered 
to at any cost. Z. '03-57. 

NOVEMBER 11. 

Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue [forti- 
tude']. 2 Pet. 1: 5. 

Jj? * * 

One great difficulty with the Lord's people is that, 
even when determined for a right course and thus resist- 
ing the temptation, they do not take sufficiently positive 
action. Many say to the tempter, I have concluded not 
to yield at this time. Thus they leave in their own minds 
an opportunity open by which the tempter may return. 
Our Lord's course was the proper one : we should dis- 
miss the tempter once and forever. We should take 
our stand so firmly that even the Adversary would not 
think it worth while to come back at us along that line; 
" Leave me, Adversary — I will worship and serve my God 
alone." Z. '04-10. 



NOVEMBER 12. 



Be not faithless, but believing. J no. 20:27. 
* * * 

It is impossible for us to come near to the Lord except 
as we shall exercise faith and trust in him, in his good- 
ness, in his power, in his wisdom, in his love. Faith 
is a matter of cultivation, of development. The same 
apostles who cried out in terror when the storm was upon 
the Sea of Galilee gradually grew stronger and stronger 
in faith until, as the records show, they could and did trust 
the Lord in his absence and where they could not trace 
him. Similarly it should be a part of our daily lesson to 
cultivate trust in the Lord, and to think of the experi- 
ences in the past in our lives and all of these lessons in 
his Word, that thus our faith in him may become rooted 
and grounded. Z. '04-89. 



NOVEMBER 13. 

Your Father knoweth zvhat things ye have need of. 
Matt. 6:8. 

* * * 

Our petitions, our requests, our cries to the Lord, 
therefore, should be for the holiness of heart, for the fill- 
ing of his Spirit, for the spiritual food, refreshment, 
strength ; and as for the natural things, he knoweth the 
way we take and what would be to our best interests as 
New Creatures. We are to leave this to him : he would 
not be pleased to see us importuning him for things 
which he did not give us, for to do so would not be an 
exemplification of faith in him, but the reverse — an exem- 
plification of doubt, a manifestation of fear that he was 
forgetting or neglecting his promise to give us the things 
needful. Z. '04-90. 



NOVEMBER 14. 



Take heed unto yourselves . . . for grievous wolves 
shall enter in among you, not sparing the Hock. Also of 
your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, 
to draw away disciples after them. Acts 20:29,30. 
* * * 

It is necessary for the discipline, trial and final proving 
of the Church of God that they should be subjected 
to these adverse influences ; for to him that overcometh 
them is the promise of the great reward. If we would 
reign with Christ, we must prove our worthiness to 
reign by the same tests of loyalty to God, of faith in 
his Word, of zeal for the Truth, of patient endurance 
of reproach and persecution, even unto death, and of 
unwavering trust in the power and purpose of God to 
deliver and exalt his Church in due time. To such 
faithful ones are the blessed consolations of Psa. 91. Z, 
'04-74. 



NOVEMBER 15. 

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also 
so to walk, everuas he walked. 1 J no, 2:6. 

# * * 

He is to walk as our Lord walked, in his general de- 
portment and relationship to everything that is good 
and correspondingly to avoid everything that is evil. He 
is to walk as nearly as possible in the footsteps of Jesus. 
This, however, does not mean that he either should or 
could, in an imperfect body, walk up to all the perfection 
of his Lord, who even in his flesh was perfect. It 
means just what it says, that we should walk as he walked 
— in the same way, in the same direction, toward the same 
mark and standard that he recognized and established. 
Z. '03-345- 



NOVEMBER 16. 



She hath done what she could. Mark 14:8. 

It is not our privilege to come into personal contact 
with our dear Redeemer, but it is our privilege to anoint 
the Lord's " brethren " with the sweet perfume of love, 
sympathy, joy and peace, and the more costly this may 
be as respects our self-denials, the more precious it will 
be in the estimation of our Elder Brother, who declared 
that in proportion as we do or do not unto his brethren, 
we do or do not unto him. . . . Our alabaster boxes are 
our hearts, which should be full of the richest and sweetest 
perfumes of good wishes, kindness and love toward all, 
but especially toward the Christ — toward the Head, our 
Lord Jesus, and toward all the members of his body, the 
Church; and especially on our part toward the feet mem- 
bers who are now with us, and on whom we now have the 
privilege of pouring out the sweet odors of love and de- 
votion in the name of the Lord, because we are his. Z. 
'99-78 ; '00-378. 

NOVEMBER 17. 

He shall give his angels [messengers'] a charge con- 
cerning ihee } to guard thee in all thy ways. Psa. pi: 11. 
* * * 

That is, God will raise up some faithful pastors and 
teachers who will " watch for your souls as they that 
must give an account." True, there shall arise false 
teachers, perverting the Word of the Lord and seeking 
by cunning sophistries to subvert your souls; but if in 
simplicity of heart God's children require a " Thus saith 
the Lord " for every element of their faith, and care- 
fully prove all things by the Word, they will be able to 
distinguish readily the true from the false. And having 
done so, the Apostle Paul (Heb. 13:17) counsels us to 
have confidence. The Lord, our Shepherd, will care for 
the true sheep. Z. '04-75. 



NOVEMBER 18. 



The angel of the Lord encamp eth round about them 
that fear htm, and deliver eth them. Psa. 34 : 7. 

* * * 

How it enlarges the confidence of a Christian to realize 
that whilst earthly powers may be in opposition, and 
whilst he may be really of himself powerless to resist 
adversaries, and whilst in addition to the flesh and 
blood adversaries he may realize that he battles also 
with spiritual wickedness in exalted places — against 
Satan and his minions of darkness — yet that, on the 
other hand, " greater is he that is on our part than all 
that be against us," and that all the heavenly hosts are 
subject to the divine will and may be employed for the 
advancement of the divine cause according to divine 
wisdom. Z. '97-120. 

NOVEMBER 19. 

Let us zvatch and be sober. 1 Thess. 5:6. 

* * * 

Let us watch in the sense of taking careful notice of 
all the directions which the Lord our God has given us, 
respecting what would be acceptable service to him. 
Let us watch ourselves, striving to walk as nearly as 
possible in the footsteps of the great High Priest. Let 
us be sober in the sense that we will not be frivolous ; 
that while happy, joyous in the Lord, free from the 
anxious cares that are upon many others through mis- 
apprehension of our Father's character and plan, we 
may, nevertheless, be sober in the sense of earnest 
appreciation of present opportunities and privileges in 
connection with the Lord's service; — not thoughtlessly 
negligent, letting opportunities and privileges slip 
through our hands to be afterwards regretted. Z. 
'02-239. 



NOVEMBER 20. 

// ye do these things, ye shall never fall. 2 Pet. 

1: 10. 

The contingency is not in the doing of these things 
perfectly, and regardless of the righteousness of Christ to 
cover our transgressions and compensate for our daily 
shortcomings ; but if, added to our faith in the imputed 
righteousness of Christ, we have cultivated all these graces 
to the extent of our ability, we shall not fall. When we 
have done all that we can do, we are still unprofitable 
servants, not daring to trust in our own righteousness, but 
in the ample robe which is ours by faith in Christ, while, 
with consistent " diligence," we work out our own salva- 
tion with fear and trembling, knowing that the righteous- 
ness of Christ is only applied to such as desire to forsake 
sin and pursue that " holiness without which no man shall 
see the Lord/' Z. '97-148. 

NOVEMBER 21. 

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers 
temptations. J as. 1:2. 

jji ^ Jjf 

All wish frequently, no doubt, that the testings were 
all over and that we were accepted to a place amongst 
the overcomers; but patience and faith and trust are to 
do a refining work in our hearts, making us mellow, will- 
ing and obedient to the Lord. Let the good work go on. 
Let us rejoice if our trials have brought us lessons of any 
kind that are profitable to us ; — that have tended to make 
us stronger in character, more firm for truth and right- 
eousness, more aware of our own weaknesses, and more 
on guard against the same. Even those conflicts which 
have resulted in only partial victories have possibly been 
to our advantage. Even on points in which there may 
have been absolute failure, the result may be a strength- 
ening of character, a crystallization of determination for 
greater zeal in that direction again, and a humility of 
heart before the Lord in prayer. Z. '02-133. 



NOVEMBER 22. 



The zeal of thine house hath consumed me. Psa. 

69:0. 

* * Hs 

Cold, calculating people may have other good quali- 
ties, but there is no room for coldness or even lukewarm- 
ness on the part of those who have once tasted that the 
Lord is gracious. With such, the love enkindled should 
lead to a consuming zeal. It was thus with our Lord 
Jesus, and this was one of the reasons why he was be- 
loved of the Father. Let all who desire to be pleasing 
in the Lord's sight become so filled with the same spirit 
of zeal for righteousness and truth that it will consume 
them as sacrifices upon the Lord's altar. Thus they will 
be most pleasing and acceptable to him through Jesus 
our Lord. Z. '98-112. 

NOVEMBER 23. 

Ye have need of patience, [cheerful endurance, con- 
stancy] that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might 
receive the promise. Heb. 10: 36. 

* * * 

Here we see that it is not merely to do the will of God 
that is the test, but that after having attained to that 
point, that mark of character in our hearts, in our wills 
(if only partially in the flesh) we should, by patient en- 
durance, establish God's righteous will as the law of our 
hearts, the rule of life under all circumstances and con- 
ditions. Then, and not until then, will we be in the heart 
condition of fitness for the Kingdom. The Apostle James 
says, " The trying of your faith worketh patience [patient 
endurance "] ; that is to say, if our faith stand the trial 
it will ' work this character of patient endurance. Of 
course, on the other hand, if we do not attain to patient 
endurance, it will mean that our faith has not stood the 
test satisfactorily, that we are not fit for the Kingdom. 
Z. '01-117. 



NOVEMBER 24. 



Herein do I exercise myself, to have always a con- 
science void of offence toward God and toward man. Acts 
24 : 16. 

* * * 

Our consciences require regulating, as do all the other 
features of our fallen nature. If our consciences are to be 
regulated we must have some standard by which to set 
and regulate them. The conscience is like a watch whose 
dial is properly marked with the hours, but whose correct- 
ness as a time-keeper depends upon the proper regulating 
of its mainspring, so that it may point out the hours truth- 
fully: so our consciences are ready to indicate right and 
wrong to us, but they can only be relied upon to tell us 
truly what is right and what is wrong after being regu- 
lated in connection with the new mainspring, the new 
heart, the pure will, brought into full harmony w T ith the law 
of love, as presented to us in the Word of God. Z. '00-360. 

NOVEMBER 25. 

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of 
God: for God cannot be tempted with evil ^either tempteth 
he any man. J as. 1: 13. 

* * * 

There is a difference between temptations w T hich the 
Father considers proper and the temptations which come 
from the Adversary. The former are tests of loyalty^ to 
God and to the principles of righteousness, and are in- 
tended to be a blessing and a help to all those who with- 
stand them, and who thus demonstrate their loyalty to 
righteousness. The temptations of Satan, on the contrary, 
are in the nature of pitfalls and snares in evil and wrong- 
doing, temptations to make right appear wrong and wrong 
appear right, putting light for darkness and darkness for 
light. In this sense of misrepresentation and ensnare- 
ments in evil, God tempteth no man. Z. '04-7. 



4? 



NOVEMBER 26. 



And the Lord said unto Moses, What is that in thine 
hand? Ex. 4: 2. 

* * * 

If any man would be more abundantly used of the Lord 
in his blessed service, let him seek first to be fitted for it 
more and more. Let him imitate that beloved and honored 
servant, Moses, in meekness, humility, energy and untiring 
zeal and self-sacrificing service of the Lord. But the wise 
steward will seek always to cultivate along the lines of his 
natural abilities, and not expect the Lord to work a miracle 
for his advancement, and so waste valuable time seeking to 
develop that which he does not by nature possess. Z. 
'94-143. 

Let us each, therefore, seek by humility, by zeal, by love 
for the Lord and for his cause, by faith in his power, to be 
in that condition of heart and mind which will make us 
ready to be used, and useful m any department of the di- 
vine service to which the Lord may be pleased to call us. 
Z. '01-348. 

NOVEMBER 27. 

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in 
the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance. 
Eph. 6: 18. 

* * * 

We are to have the spirit of prayer in all that we say 
and do : that is to say, our hearts should be going out con- 
tinually to the Lord for guidance in all of life's affairs, that 
we may do with our might what our hands find to do, in a 
manner that will be acceptable to him, and that we may be 
shielded by him from temptation that would otherwise be 
beyond our endurance, and that we may be ultimately de- 
livered from the Evil One and have a place in our Lord's 
Kingdom. Brethren and sisters, let us more and more re- 
member and put into practice these words of our Lord, 
" Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." Z. 
'01-80. 



NOVEMBER 28. 



When he giveth quietness, who then can make trou- 
ble? Job 34: 29. 

H Who but he, the ■ God of all comfort/ can give quiet- 
ness in the midst of tumults which rise upon the soul like 
sudden storms upon the sea? Like ocean mariners in 
peril, we cry unto him, and he bringeth us to the desired 
haven — blessed haven — of quietness and peace in God. 

" What is the cry which brings this answer of peace ? 
It is not a prayer that all occasion for disturbance shall 
be removed, for it is not always the divine will to bring 
peace to the human spirit in that way; it is not always 
the best way. But there is a cry which never fails to 
bring the quietness in which none can ' make trouble/ 
It is a prayer for sweet, trustful, loving acquiescence in 
the will of God." Z. '96-259. 

NOVEMBER 29. 

Lei ns hold fast the profession of our faith, without 
wavering; for he is faithful that promised. Heb. 10: 23. 
* * * 

God's promise is the foundation upon which all that 
we hope for, either of character or coming glory, is built. 
Let us prize this truth so that we will not compromise 
it in any sense or in any degree; let us not only hold the 
Truth in the letter but in the spirit; — in the love of it, 
because it is true, as well as because it is beautiful and 
grand. And let us ever remember the importance of 
patient endurance, that we may not only cultivate the 
Christian graces, and practise them, but that we may take 
joyfully the trials, persecutions or difficulties which 
our Lord may see proper to permit to come upon us for 
our testing and for the development of this character 
which he explains to us is of paramount importance, and 
without which perfect love could neither be attained 
nor maintained. Z. '01-119. 



NOVEMBER 30. 



Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the 
age. Matt. 28: 20. 

* * * 

Surely he who was careful to supervise the sowing work 
is not less interested and careful in respect to the reaping. 
Let us then thrust in the sickle of Truth with energy and 
courage, remembering that we serve the Lord Christ, re- 
membering that we are not responsible for the harvest 
but merely for our energy in gathering what ripe "wheat" 
we can find. If the labor be great for the finding of a few 
grains of ripe wheat we are to rejoice the more in those 
we do find, and learn to love and appreciate that which is 
scarce and precious. Let us remember, too, while using 
all the wisdom we can in this service, that the Lord's 
object in giving us a share in his work is not so much 
what we can accomplish as in the blessing that the labor 
will bring upon us. Z. '01-155. 



DECEMBER 1. 

Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Matt. 
22:39. 

You would not want your neighbor to use brain and 
tongue in evil surmises and slanders against you; and 
you should not do so to him. The law of the Lord com- 
mands that all under his Covenant shall take heed 
not utter one solitary suspicion against a neighbor : and 
that if suspicion beyond knowledge be forced upon the 
mind by associated circumstances, the new mind shall 
promptly, with its native benevolence, counter-balance the 
suspicions by suggestions of the possibility of misinforma- 
tion or misinterpretation and always give the apparently 
, guilty the benefit of the doubt. Z. '99-72. 



DECEMBER 2. 

And nozt'j why tarriest thou? Arise and be baptized. 
Acts 22: 16. 

* * * 

There is a directness in this address that is worthy of 
being copied by all who have an influence upon others, 
and who are seeking to bring them along in the right way. 
Urge them to promptness, to full and complete obedience, 
to a full confession of the Lord and the Truth. If they are 
not inclined to promptly obey after their eyes of faith have 
seen the Lord, and after their ears have heard his voice, 
they will be much less likely after a while, when the world 
and the flesh and the devil will say to them, Do not be an 
extremist ; be moderate ; do not make a full consecration of 
yourself to the Lord. Your neighbors and friends will 
think you beside yourself, and it will interfere with your 
hopes and prospects, and turn your friends into enemies. 
It will cost you too much; go slowly. Z. '01-186. 

DECEMBER 3. 

Because thou hast kept the zvord of my patience, I 
also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which 
shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon 

the earth. Rev. 3 : 10. 

* * * 

This is the special reward of those who are running the 
race with patient endurance in the present time, in the 
Laodicean period. While it was not our privilege to es- 
cape the hour of temptation, it is our privilege to have a 
counter-balancing special blessing as a result of living in 
the time of our Lord's parousia (presence). We may have 
his fellowship, his instruction, his dispensing of spiritual 
food which is now " meat in due season," in a manner and 
to a degree in which none of the faithful of past periods 
enjoyed these. But as we might expect, this greatest favor 
is correspondingly offset by the subtility and severity of 
the trials of this hour of temptation coming upon the 
whole world. If ever patient endurance was necessary it 
is necessary now. Z. '01-118. 



1 



DECEMBER* 4. 



// ye then, being evil, know' how to give good gifts 
unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly 
Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Luke 
ii: 13. 

If the Lord's consecrated people could all be brought 
to the point where the chief aim in life, the burden of 
all their prayers, would be that they might have a larger 
measure of the Spirit of the Lord, the spirit of holiness, 
the spirit of the Truth, the Spirit of Christ, the spirit of a 
sound mind, what a blessing it would mean ! If then 
they should wrestle with the Lord until the breaking of 
the day, their hold upon him would be sure to bring 
the desired blessing. The Lord has revealed himself 
to his people for the very purpose of giving them this 
blessing; nevertheless, he withholds it until they learn 
to appreciate and earnestly desire it. Z. '01-271. 

DECEMBER 5. 

* Choose ye this day whom ye will serve; as for me 

and my house, we will serve the Lord. Josh. 24: 15. 
* * *- 

Let others reverence whom and what they will ; we, who 
have tasted that the Lord is gracious, we, who have come 
to know him through his Word, and through his provi- 
dences, and through the power of the spirit by which we 
are begotten again to newness of life — we can do naught 
else than reverence our God; and reverencing him we 
must trust him implicitly; and trusting him implicitly we 
will gladly walk in whatever way he may mark out for 
us; and thus trusting and thus walking we are content, 
whatever lot we see, since 'tis his hand that leadeth us. 
And let us be assured that, following the true Shepherd 
after this manner, we shall ultimately reach the heavenly 
fold. In these assurances we have joy and peace and 
blessing of heart, even in the house of our pilgrimage, 
before we reach the heavenly city. Z. '01-284. 



DECEMBER 6. 



He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city 
that is broken down, and without walls. Prov. 25:28. 

j)e j}i jjc 

The battle with self is the greatest battle, and we have 
the Lord's word for it that he that " ruleth his spirit 
(his own mind, will) is better than he that taketh a 
city," because he has to that extent learned to exercise the 
combativeness of a true character in the right direction, 
in self-control. It is after we have had considerable ex- 
perience in battling with sin and selfishness in ourselves, 
in casting the beam out of our own eyes, in subduing 
anger, malice, hatred and strife in our own hearts and 
flesh — it is then, and by means of this severe battle and 
experience, that we will be prepared to assist the brethren, 
and to assist our neighbors in their difficulties — to help 
them to overcome their besetments and weaknesses. Z. 
'01-295. 

DECEMBER 7. 

When he was reviled, he reviled not again. 1 Pet. 

2:23. 

* * * 

Xot because his enemies had found in him something 
that could properly and justly be reviled and evil spoken 
of; — nor because his enemies were so nearly perfect that 
he could find nothing in them to revile and speak evil of ; 
but because he was so full of submission to the divine 
will that he was enabled to take the scoffs and railings 
of the people, and to bear these humbly and patiently, 
and to remember that even hereunto he was called, did 
Jesus endure patiently and learn the lessons, and prove 
himself faithful, and develop and demonstrate his true 
character, and feel and manifest his pity for the people, 
in their blindness and ignorance, and his love for them. 
Z. '01-298. 



DECEMBER 8. 

// the world hate yon, ye know that it hated me be- 
fore it hated you. J no. 15: 18. 

* >{c * 

As our Master was hated without a cause, so let it be 
with us so far as possible, that the hatred, malice, envy 
and murder which may be poured, out against us may 
be wholly unmerited by us — that our lives shall be as 
nearly pure as possible; that so far as we are able our 
thoughts and words and deeds may show forth the praises 
of our Lord, and speak of our love for all men, especially 
for the household of faith. By and by, when the Church 
shall have been glorified, and a new dispensation inaugu- 
rated, those who hate us now, largely because they are 
blinded by the Adversary and misled, will bow before us, 
as the Lord's anointed, and we shall have the great pleas- 
ure of lifting them up, blessing them, encouraging them 
and forgiving them, and assisting them back to the full 
image and likeness of God. Z. '01-300. 

DECEMBER 9. 

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for 
when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which 
the Lord hath promised to them that love him. J as. 1: 12. 

SjC 5fc 5fC 

If we could but keep in memory the fact that every 
trial, every persecution, every difficulty of life, permitted 
to come upon those who have made the covenant of 
sacrifice with the Lord, is intended to prove them, to test 
their love, to see whether or not their characters are fixed, 
rooted and grounded in righteousness, and being built up 
in love, it would put all these trials, difficulties and tempta- 
tions in a new light before us, and greatly assist us in 
fighting a good fight and overcoming. We would say, if 
by these little trials the Lord is proving my love and de- 
votion to him, then, however trifling they may be or how- 
ever important, I will diligently use them as favorable op- 
portunities to demonstrate to my Lord the fulness of my 
love and devotion to him and his cause. Z. '98-41. 



DECEMBER 10. 



Them that honour me, I will honour, i Sam. 2: 50. 

* * * 

In whatever department of the Lord's service he is 
pleased to open the door of opportunity to us, we should 
enter it promptly and w T ith energy — with zeal for him 
and for the cause to which he has called us. This is 
one condition of our acceptableness to him. If we are 
slothful, inattentive to opportunities, undoubtedly they 
will be removed from us, and given to others, for the 
Lord is abundantly able to raise up one or another to 
serve his cause without interfering with, or overruling 
our free moral agency. Let us more and more appreciate 
what a privilege we enjoy in being co-laborers together 
with God, and especially in connection with this great 
service which our Lord and Master Jesus is exercising, 
and to fellowship in which we have been called, as his 
Bride and joint-heir. Z. '01-318. * 

DECEMBER 11. 

My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes ob- 
serve my ways. Prov. 23:26. 

* * * 

The heart, the will, thus given over to God, seeks to 
know the divine will, to catch the divine thought and to 
obey it in word and in act; and in proportion as this 
condition of the new mind is attained, in that same pro- 
portion will there begin to be a newness of life in every 
respect — in ambitions, hopes, sentiments and efforts. 
It is for this reason that the revelation of the divine will 
and plan is furnished to believers — that by growing in 
the knowledge of it, by thinking on these things, by 
filling the mind with the divine plan and will, the trans- 
forming influence may extend into every avenue of life. 
Z. '01-324. 



DECEMBER 12. 

As a man think eth in his heart, so is he. Proy. 23: 7. 

* * * 

It behooves the Lord's consecrated people to carefully 
strain out the impurities, and see that they do not enter 
into our hearts, our thoughts, realizing that with them in 
the result will be to work our defilement, to a greater or 
less degree. Whoever maintains purity of thought will 
have comparatively little effort in maintaining purity of 
word and of action. Whether the impurity come from one 
direction or another — from the world or the flesh or the 
devil — its attack must first of all be upon the mind; and 
if repelled there the victory is won; if not repelled we 
cannot know what the consequences might be, as the Apos- 
tle James declares: "Lust [selfish desire of any kind], 
when it has conceived [in the mind] bringeth forth sin 
[develops sinful words or deeds], and sin when it is 
finished bringeth forth death." Z. '01-325. 

DECEMBER 13. 

Lay not this sin to their charge. Acts 1:60. 
- * * * 

How great a blessing it would be for all spiritual 
Israelites to learn well this lesson ; viz., that if we accept 
the results of any matter as being good, and if we 
realize that we were guided to those results by divine 
providence, we should think and feel most generously, 
most kindly, toward those who were the instruments used 
by providence, notwithstanding the fact that they might 
have been unwilling instructors, or, like Joseph's brethren, 
have verily intended opposite results. Those who are en- 
abled to take such a view of affairs and forces operating 
in their daily lives are enabled " always to triumph 
through the Lord," as the Apostle expresses it. And such 
find no room for bitterness or railing, either against Satan 
or against any of his servants. Z. '01-331. 



DECEMBER 14. 

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 
Matt. 5:7. 

All do not know it, but it is a fact that the grandest 
quality that man can exercise, and the one which brings 
the largest amount of blessing itself, is the exercise of the 
God-like quality of mercy, compassion, benevolence. The 
Lord lays great stress upon this quality of mercy, declar- 
ing that whatever else may be our attainments of knowl- 
edge or of grace, if we have not this one we can never be 
acceptable to him — if we do not have mercy upon others 
neither will our Heavenly Father have mercy upon us. 
And to insure that we do not consider this mercy to be 
merely an outward form, an expression of forgiveness 
and benevolence, our Lord expounds the matter, saying, 
"If ye do not from the heart forgive one another, neither 
will your Heavenly Father forgive you." . . . Only the 
merciful shall obtain mercy : and if we have not mercy at 
the hands of the Lord all is lost; for by nature we were 
children of wrath, even as others, and under just condem- 
nation. Z. '01-332 ; '00-70. 

DECEMBER 15. 

The Lord is my Shepherd. Psa. 23: 1. 

* * * 

The Lord, in calling his people his sheep, chose a very 
significant emblem of the character he would have mani- 
fested in them. The most noticeable characteristics of the 
sheep are meekness, docility and obedience to the shepherd 
to whose care they fully entrust themselves. . . . The true 
sheep will carefully listen for the faintest accents of the 
voice of the Shepherd — i. e., he will treasure up his words 
in his heart, he will study his providences ; and he will 
cultivate that communion and personal fellowship with the 
Lord which are his privilege. Those who thus abide in 
him can never go astray. 

" They can never, never lose their way/' 

Z. 02-365. 



DECEMBER 16. 



How long halt ye between two opinions? If the 
Lord be God follow him, but if Baal, follow him. i Kings 
18:21. 

* * * 

We need to have some touchstone, as it were, some 
matter which will help us to decide, which will enable 
the mind to reach a decision quickly. This touchstone 
should be God's will; so that to perceive the Lord's will 
in respect to any question would be to settle it — as 
quickly as discerned. . . . Ability to decide quickly, 
and to decide always on the right side, what the Lord's 
will is, requires some experience and discipline; but 
the sooner we begin the sooner we will become pro- 
ficient. The more energetically we set ourselves to know 
the Lord's will and to do it, and to show him by our 
promptness that we delight to do his will, the better 
and the more quickly will we find our characters estab- 
lished on proper lines. Z. '02-42. 

DECEMBER 17. 

Beloved, work out your own salvation with fear and 
trembling; for it is God who worketh in you both to will 
and to do of his good pleasure. Phil. 2 : 12, 13. 

* * * 

It was God that provided for us the redemption that 
is in Christ Jesus, and it is God that has drawn us unto 
himself and that has promised us all needed grace to 
walk in the paths of righteousness ; and more, even to 
follow in the footprints of Jesus in the way of self-sacri- 
fice. While, therefore, with fear and trembling, — with 
great carefulness — we endeavor to work out our salvation, 
it is our privilege always to realize the promised grace to 
help in every time of need, and to be confident that our 
best efforts toward righteousness are acceptable to God 
when presented through the merit of the righteousness 
of Christ, imputed to us by faith. Z. '97-147. 



DECEMBER 18. 



The Lord is my helper, and I shall not fear zvhat 
man shall do unto me. Heb. 13:6. 

To have the proper course in life, to be able to meet the 
trials and difficulties of life as they come to us, and to 
meet them in the proper spirit which the Lord directs — 
in the spirit of rejoicing in tribulation, and counting 
such experiences all joy, — it is necessary that all fear 
of man, which brings a snare, shall be removed. And 
it is our Lord's direction that we shall fear Jehovah, 
and not fear our mortal fellows. The righteous are bold 
as a lion, as well as gentle as a dove, and meek as a lamb. 
This peculiar combination should be found in every 
Christian, and we doubt if it will be found elsewhere. 
Z. 02-45. 



DECEMBER 19. 

Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast him' 
self as he that putteth it oft. 1 Kings 20: 11. 

sfc 4 s 4 s 

The test of endurance is certainly one of the severest 
tests of faithfulness to which the elect Church, the body 
pi Christ, is subjected. It is the test which gauges and 
registers the strength of every other virtue and grace, 
and no soldier of the cross will be crowned with the 
laurels of victory who has not stood this test. ... In 
the battle of this day, as in all other battles, the effort 
of the enemy is to surprise and suddenly attack and 
overwhelm the Lord's people; and the only preparation, 
therefore, that can be made for such emergencies is 
constant vigilance and prayer and the putting on of 
the whole armor of God — the Truth and the spirit of the 
Truth. Z. '94-155. 



DECEMBER 20. 



Study to show thyself approved unto God, a work- 
man that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the 
ivord of truth. 2 Tim. 2:15. 

* * * 

There is much significance in that word u study; " and 
only the studious find the narrow way to the divine ap- 
proval and acceptance. Study to show thyself approved — 
study the doctrine; study your course of conduct, to 
keep it in harmony with the doctrine. Study how to pro- 
mote the peace and prosperity of Zion, and how to shield 
yourself and others from the missiles of error and from 
the poison of an evil, worldly spirit. Study to perform 
the duties of a faithful soldier of the cross — the seem- 
ingly insignificant, as well as the bravest and noblest 
deeds. Z. '02-318. 

DECEMBER 21. 

Who is worthy? Rev. 5: 2. 

* * * 

Let us, dearly beloved, as we realize that thus far God 
has counted us worthy to look upon the scroll of his Plan 
which has been unsealed for us by our blessed Lord 
Jesus, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, prove our worthi- 
ness to continue to look therein and to read the won- 
drous things of his law, by faithful obedience and loyalty 
to it in all things. Let us not undervalue our great 
privilege in being counted worthy to have some part 
in the blessed ministry of reflecting the light of divine 
Truth; let us prove ourselves jewels of rarest value, 
diamonds indeed, heartily receiving and beautifully 
transmitting to others the light of Truth, and faithfully 
enduring the severest pressure that God may permit to 
come upon us ; for, if faithful in these small things we 
shall in due time be counted worthy also to reign with 
Christ in power and great glory. Z. '02-333. 



DECEMBER 22. 



// a man therefore purge himself, he shall be a 
vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the Master's 
use, and prepared unto every good work. 2 Tim. 2:21. 

* * * 

If any man desire honor from God, let him not fail 
to seek it in God's appointed way — along the pathway 
of humility ; for the Lord giveth his favors to the humble. 
If you would be a vessel fit for the Master's use and a 
vessel of honor, humble yourself under the mighty hand 
of God and he will exalt you in due time. Do not be in 
a hurry about it either; but whatsoever thy hand findeth 
to do, do it with thy might, beginning and ever continuing 
to cleanse your earthen vessel, that it may be fit for the 
Master's use. Z. '02-319. 

DECEMBER 23. 

A word in season, how good it is! A zvord fitly 
spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Prov. 
15:23; 25: 11. 

* * * 

. W e are to remember, when talking with those who have 
an ear to hear and are inquiring the way to the Lord, 
that there are great crises in the lives of men, momen- 
tous occasions, in which one word may be more valua- 
ble, more potent, than would be a hundred words or a 
thousand words at another time, under different circum- 
stances ; and we are to be instant in the Lord's service, 
whether seasonable or unseasonable to ourselves, — gladly 
ready to lay down our lives for the brethren. . . . We 
are to distinguish, however, between out-of-season to 
ourselves and out-of-season to others; and to be willing 
to serve others at any time, however out-of-season to 
ourselves, if it be in season and opportune for them. 
We are not to intrude even the Gospel itself at inoppor- 
tune times, however convenient the occasion may be to 
ourselves. Z. '02-381, 382. 



DECEMBER 24. 

Thou shalt call his name JESUS : for he shall save 
his people from their sins. Matt, i : 21. 

* * * 

The noting of those little incidentals by which divine 
providence prepared for our Saviour's birth and for the 
sending forth of the Gospel message, are strengthening to 
the faith of the Lord's people. Realizing God's care in the 
past over even the little things, gives a foundation for con- 
fidence in his wisdom and provision for the features of his 
plan which are yet future — the fulfilment of all the ex- 
ceeding great and precious promises which centered in 
him who was born in Bethlehem. And so also a realiza- 
tion of the divine providence in the larger affairs of the 
divine plan stimulates faith also in the Lord's providences 
as respects the personal and more private affairs of his 
people. Z. '00-8. 

DECEMBER 25. 

Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of 
great joy, zvhich shall be to all people. For unto you is 
born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is 
Christ the Lord. Luke 2: 10, 11. 

* * jjc 

Although we cannot agree that this is the proper day 
for celebrating the birth of our dear Redeemer, but must 
insist that it was about October first (M. Dawn, Vol. 2, 
p. 54), nevertheless, since he did not intimate his desire 
that we should celebrate his birthday, it is quite immaterial 
upon what day that event, of so great importance to all, is 
celebrated. Upon this day, so generally celebrated, we may 
properly enough join with all whose hearts are in the atti- 
tude of love and appreciation toward God and toward the 
Saviour. The habit of giving little remembrances one to 
another at this time of year seems to us specially appropri- 
ate. God is the giver of every good and perfect gift. He 
is continually giving and we are continually receiving 
from him; but amongst all his gifts the one of greatest 
importance to us is the gift of his Son to be our Redeemer. 
Z. '03-457. 



DECEMBER 26. 



Be thou strong and very courageous. Josh. 1:7. 
* * * 

" Be strong and of a good courage/' There are dif- 
ferent kinds of courage; one sort is begotten of egotism 
and self-reliance; another kind is begotten of a reckless- 
ness which fails to take into account the difficulties of 
the situation; but the courage which the Lord inculcates, 
and which all the spiritual Israelites are to seek to pos- 
sess, is the one which, while coolly and calmly discerning 
the trials and difficulties of the way and while humbly 
realizing its insufficiency for the occasion, is supported 
by a faith in the Lord — a trust in the divine promises 
which enables them to be strong in the Lord and in the 
power of his might. Z. '02-285. 



DECEMBER 27. 

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. 1 Jno. 

y.21. 

5jC * Jji 

We are not to put our trust in leaders, but in the Lord. 
This does not signify that we are not to trust leaders, and 
not to acknowledge leaders, for all the history of the 
Lord's dealings with his people, the typical as well as the 
antitypical, shows us that he is pleased to use human 
agencies as his representatives in the teaching and lead- 
ing of his people from grace to grace, from knowledge to 
knowledge. The lesson to be learned is that the Lord is 
thoroughly competent to manage his own work, and that 
while we may look for his leading through human agencies 
our trust is not in them, their wisdom, their strength, but 
in the Lord's wisdom and strength, guiding them and us 
through them. Z. '02-284. 



DECEMBER 28. 



He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore 
shall he lift up the head. Psa. no: J. 

* * * 

We want to ask the Lord, our Master and Head, that he 
will bless us more and more, as with fresh zeal we shall 
endeavor faithfully and rejoicingly to drink of the brook 
of life's experiences, and gain wisdom therefrom that will 
fit and prepare us for his service by and by; and which 
will the better fit and prepare us for his service also in 
the present time, and enable us by his grace to show forth 
his praises in all the trying circumstances and vicissitudes 
of life so as to glorify him in our bodies and spirits which 
are his. Let us, as we drink of the brook, take a lesson 
from the little birds, which when drinking repeatedly lift 
the head as though giving thanks to God. Let us con- 
tinually give thanks to our Lord for every taste of life's 
experience, for every lesson, for every trial — appropriating 
them all to our spiritual development. Z. '02-14. 

DECEMBER 29. 

In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening 
withhold not thy hand: for thou knowest not whether shall 
prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be 
alike good. Eccl.n:6. 

* * * 

All of the Lord's people, in proportion as they desire 
to be the servants of the Truth, should be continually 
on the alert to note opportunities for service, and should 
expect to be guided and used of the Lord. Wherever we 
see evidences of devotion to the Lord and his W T ord, we 
should be on the alert to extend a helping hand. . . . 
We are to be on the alert to pass along the blessing which 
we have received, and to esteem that this is the chief 
business of life with those who have consecrated them- 
selves to the service of the King of kings. Z. '02-71. 



DECEMBER 30. 



Thou crownest the year with thy goodness. Psa. 
65: 11. 

* * * 

As we review the leadings of divine providence during 
the year that is past, let God's goodness and mercy stimu- 
late our faith and confidence in him as respects the New 
incoming Year. A proper retrospect on the part of a 
proper child of God will enable him not only to render 
thanks for the past, but to look up and lift up his head, 
realizing that our deliverance is nearer than when we first 
believed; and that he that began a good work in us is 
both able and willing to complete it, if we will but con- 
tinue to submit our wills, our lives, our all, to his wisdom 
and loving care. Z. '00-365. 



DECEMBER 31. 

What shall I render unto the Lord for all his bene- 
fits toward me? I will take the cup of ' salvation, and call 
upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my -vows unto the 
Lord, how, in the presence of all his people. Psa. 
116: 12-14. 

* * * 

The close of the year is an excellent time for the making 
of new resolutions for the year to come. Let us, beloved 
brethren, make plenty of good resolves respecting what 
we shall be willing to be, to do, to suffer, in fellowship 
with our Lord ; that we may by his grace make of it the 
best year thus far of our lives — the year of largest hopes, 
of largest endeavors, and by the Lord's grace of largest 
successes in self-sacrifice, in overcoming the world and its 
spirit, in vanquishing self and the desires of the flesh, in 
resisting the Adversary, and in glorifying our Lord and 
blessing his people. Z. '99-286. 



MHMHH8MMHWIHI 



PRAYER. 



And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the 
■first fruits of the Spirit, even we over selves groan within 
ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption 
of our body. Rom. 8 : 23. 

* * * 

The Lord's people are not to parade their difficulties, 
bemoaning their lot; on the contrary, they have the 
throne of grace, and the instructions of the Word of 
God teaching them why present evil conditions are per- 
mitted at all; and how* and when and why the time is near- 
ing in which all tears will be wiped off all faces, and there 
shall be no more sighing and crying and dying. Instead 
therefore of groaning before the world they should rejoice 
and show forth the praises of him who has called us out 
of darkness into his marvelous light. Our sympathy for 
the poor world without these advantages should so bestir 
us to tell them the gospel, that our own woes would be 
smothered — partially forgotten. Z. '02-40. 

PATIENCE. 

Do all things without murmurings. Phil. 2: 14. 

# ;jc jjc 

We may all have in our natural dispositions a tendency 
to repine, to grumble, to bemoan afflictions which come 
to us, even in the service of the Truth ; but as we become 
more and more developed in the heavenly character the 
Lord will surely expect of us that we shall gradually 
attain more and more to that standard which he sets 
for us ; in which the trials and difficulties of the present 
will be more than offset, more than over-balanced by 
his gracious promises, and by the witness of his Spirit, 
that all these things are working together for good to 
us, — working out for us the greater glory by preparing 
us therefor. Z. '02-40. 



CHEERFULNESS. 



The Lord loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. 9: 7. 

Not merely as respects money matters, as generally 
applied, is this true, but in respect to all of our little 
offerings and sacrifices to him and for his cause. If we 
would be pleasing to the Lord and grow in his favor 
and in nearness to him, we must bring our hearts more 
and more into the condition that he approves, that 
he loves, viz., heartiness, cheerfulness, promptness 
in every service we may render. The trouble with many 
Christians is, that they have not thoroughly learned 
what a great privilege we of this Gospel age enjoy, — in 
being permitted to present our little sacrifices and self- 
denials to the Lord, under the assurance that our imper- 
fect works shall be acceptable through Christ to God. Z. 
'02-42. 



PURITY. 

Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of 
darkness but rather reprove them. Eph. 5: 11. 

* ifc 5jS 

Our reproof of sin may always be through the living 
epistles of our daily lives which, as bright and shining 
lights, should ever reprove by manner, look, act, and 
tone, everything tending toward darkness and sin. " Let 
your light so shine before men that they seeing your good 
works may glorify your Father in Heaven." Occasionally 
it may be proper, and still more occasionally it may 
be duty, for us to speak or to act in opposition to dark- 
ness; but the light of a godly life, testifying for the 
Truth and exhibiting the holy Spirit, is certainly one of 
the most forceful reproofs of sin that can be administered. 
Z. '02-74. 



PRAISE. 



He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise 
unto our God. Psa. 40: 3. 

* * * 

The filling of the Spirit of the Lord leads to songs 
and rejoicings, not only with the lips but with the heart, 
— refreshing, comforting, and uplifting, not only the 
singer, but also the hearer. It is this " new song " in the 
heart that constitutes the Christian a separate and dis- 
tinct being from all others about him. Because it is in 
the heart, therefore, it must be in the mouth also, and must 
influence all the affairs of life; for we cannot but speak 
the things which have so wonderfully uplifted and re- 
freshed our souls. Z. '02-75. 

HELPFULNESS. 

Whether one member suffer, all the members suffer 
zvith it; or one member be honoured, all the members re- 
joice with it. 1 Cor. 12 : 26. 

ijC Ifc Jfl 

Every member, in proportion as it is in harmony with 
the head and its spirit of love for the members, will be 
prompt to act. Sometimes in our human bodies the hand 
may stretch forth assistance to the injured member so 
quickly that it seems impossible to conceive that the 
message first went to the head, and that our hand was 
subsequently directed by the head to assist; and so it is 
with the members of the body of Christ. Those who are 
in full touch and sympathy with the Head, the Lord, are 
to so large an extent of " one spirit " with him, so anxious 
to do his will, and so well informed with respect to what 
his will is, that they sometimes seem to act almost auto- 
matically, in respect to rendering help by word or deed, 
or otherwise, to those with whom they are in contact. 
Z. '02-103. 



I 



TOPICAL INDEX 

TO 

"HEAVENLY MANNA" 



Activity in the Lord's service indispensable, Jan. 18; Mch. 
13; May 7; Sept. 9. 

Alabaster boxes, ^ Nov. 16. 

"Ambassadors for Christ," Aug. 13; Nov. 8. 

Anger, Mch. 14. 

" A Peculiar People," May 16, 20. 

" Bearing his Cross," Oct. 24. 

"Beheaded," July 18; Nov. 7. 

" Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord,". . .Oct. 11. 

"Be ye separate," Aug. 3; Sept. 15. 

Bible Study, Jan. 19. 

Calamities, May 15. 

Character. 

Independence and individuality of Christian Character, 

Sept. 17. Graces of Christian Character, Jan. 8, 15, 24; 

Feb. 10; Mch. 7, 12, 26, 30; Apr. 2, 4, 29; May 23, 24, 26; 

June 7, 15; July 10; Aug. 4,16,26; Sept. 14; Oct. 6; Nov. 10. 

Chastening, Jan. 20; June 16. 

Christian Warfare, Mch. 28, 31; Apr. 9; May 5, 25, 30; June 

6; Sept. 23; Nov. 9; Dec. 6. 

" Come out of her, my people," Feb. 4. 

Comforting assurances and exhortations, Jan. 4, 22; Mch. 

24, 27; May 4, 6; June 9, 15; July 1, 4, 16, 22; Aug. 25; 

Sept. 6, 16, 18, 20; Oct. 17, 26, 27; Nov. 17, 18, 21, 30; 

Dec. 30. 

Communion with the Lord, June 18. 

Conditions of acceptableness with the Lord, July 5. 

Confidence, Oct. 26, 27; Nov. 2. 

Conscience, Nov. 24. 

Consecration Jan. 14; June 2, 12, 30; Nov. 6; Dec. 11. 

"Consider him," Oct. 5. 

Contentment, Feb. 6, 22; Mch. 6; May 28; Aug. 5, 16. 

Continuing in the Word of the Lord, Mch. 20; Sept. 19. 

Courage, Dec. 26. 

Cross-bearing and Self-denial,.. . Jan. 21; July 30; Sept. 11. 



i 



11 



Topical Index 



" Dare to be a Daniel," July 27. 

Disappointment, July 3, 22. 

" Disciples indeed," Mch. 20; July 12. 

Divinely appointed leaders, Sept. 1; Dec. 27. 

" Drinking of the Brook," Dec. 28. 

Duties, Jan. 23. 

Evil 

" Abstain from every Form of Evil," Aug. 19. 

Evil Speaking, Jan. 7; Mch. 30; Apr. 19; May 25; July 14; 
Aug. 1; Sept. 10; Oct. 1; Nov. 1; Dec. 1. 

Evil Surmisings .Feb. 13; Dec. 1. 

Overcoming evil Apr. 28; May 25. 

Exaggeration, Mch. 2. 

Faith. 

Feb. 8; Mch. 29; Apr. 25; June 5; Sept. 4; Oct. 9, 15, 16; 
Nov. 12, 13. 

'' According to thy Faith," Apr. 25; Oct. 15. 

Established in the Faith, . .May 9. 

" Full Assurance of Faith," Apr. 15, 25; Nov. 5. 

" The Good Fight of Faith," Sept. 23, 24; Oct. 25. 

The Life of Faith, Mch. 15; Oct. 26; Nov. 29. 

Trials of Faith, Feb. 16; June 4, 17. 25; July 6, 31; Nov. 
2, 21; Dec. 9. 

Faith and Works, May 8; Oct. 7, 13. 

Faithfulness in Little Things, Apr. 20; July 30. 

Fasting, Jan. 26. 

Fear, (proper fear) Dec. 18. 

The Spirit of Fear Sept. 4. 

"Fishers of Men," Oct. 4. 

" Fiery Trials," Feb. 16; Apr. 18, 29; June 17; July 31; Oct. 29. 
Following our Pattern, Feb. 10, 11; July 7, 10, 21; Aug. 7, 22, 

30; Oct. 22; Nov. 15. 

" Forgetting those things which are behind," Oct. 2. 

Forgiveness of Sins Jan. 13. 

" Freely ye have received, freely give," Oct. 19. 

Gethsemane, Apr. 14; July 19. 

God-likeness Mch. 30. 

Good Resolutions Dec. 31. 

" Hated without a Cause,". . . Dec. 8. 

Harvest. 

Suggestions for the Harvest Laborers, Aug. 4, 7, S, 14, 
20, 28; Oct. 4, 20; Nov. 30; Dec. 2, 23. 

Tests of this Harvest Aug. 9. 



Topical Index 



" Hallelujah, what a Saviour! " Sept. 25. 

Heart. 

May 4; July 11, 16; Dec. 11. 

Purity of Heart, Jan. 27; Feb. 3, 19; Mch. 2, 4, 12; Apr. 

19; May 12; June 29; Oct. 10; Nov. 1; Dec. 12. 

The Heart that considers, Oct. 12. 

Helpful Hints for the Household of Fafth, Feb. 1; Apr. 16, 

21; June 8; Aug. 4, 8, 21; Sept. 9; Oct. 2, 5, 12, 19, 25; 

Nov. 1, 11, 14, 19; Dec. 1, 2, 23. 

Holiness, » Jan. 2; Mch. 19. 

Honesty, Apr. 4. 

Humility, Jan. 10; Apr. 10, 16; May 23, 27; June 11, 14, 28; 

July 19; Aug. 9; Sept. 29; Dec. 22. 

;< If ye do these things," Nov. 20. 

" Instant in season, out of season," Aug. 28; Dec. 23. 

Jealousy, Sept. 5. 

Judging, July 25. 

Justice, Jan. 24; Mch. 3; Oct. 14. 

Knowledge. 

Importance of Knowledge,.. .Feb. 25; May 3, 26; Sept. 2. 
Growth in Grace and Knowledge, Mch. 25; May 14, 26. 
" Study to show thyself approved," Dec. 20. 

Love. 

Jan. 17; Feb. 7, 29; Mch. 7, 12; Apr. 9; May 24; July 2, 15; 

Aug. 9, 23, 26; Sept. 2, 30; Oct. 14; Nov. 10; Dec. 1. 

" Love one another," Mch. 16, 23; Apr. 2; July 5; Sept. 2. 

" Love your Enemies," Mch. 21; July 2; Dec. 13. 

" The Perfect Law of Liberty," Apr. 24; May 31; July 2, 
12. 

Three-fold manifestation of the Spirit of Love,.. June 27. 
Loving Submission, Feb. 18, 21, 25; Apr. 9; June 16; July 

3, 6, 19; Oct. 26. 
Loving Zeal, Jan. 11, 18; Mch. 9, 31; Apr. 7, 30; May 2, 7; 

Nov. 25; Dec. 10, 29. 

Meekness,.. Jan. 12, 31; Apr. 23; May 26; June 21; Aug. 4. 

Mercy, Jan. 15; Oct. 6; Dec. 14. 

Methods of proclaiming the Truth. 

Jesus' methods, Aug. 7. 

Paul's method, Aug. 20. 

Moderation, Feb. 27. 

Modesty, July 7; Aug. 4. 



iv Topical Index 

Murmuring, Addenda. 

Obedience. 

Feb. 15; May 8, 13; July 5; Sept. 3; Oct. 7. 

Promptness in Obedience, Dec. 2, 10, 16. 

" Old things are passed away," Oct. 10. 

Our Sacrifice, Apr. 23, 24; May 1, 11, 19; Addenda. 

Overcoming, Jan. 28; Apr. 9; July 26; Nov. 14; Dec. 6. 

Patience,. . .Feb. 12; Apr. 23, 28; May 2; Aug. 15; Sept. 12. 
Patient-endurance, June 7; Oct. 29; Nov. 23,29; Dec. 3, 7, 19. 
Peace. 

Peacemakers, Aug. 8; Sept. 13. 

The Peace of God and of Christ, Mch. 1; May 29; July 

17; Oct. 3; Nov. 28. 
Persecution,.. ..Jan. 5; Feb. 11; May 2, 17; June 9; Dec. 8. 

Praise, Oct. 31; Addenda. 

Prayer, Jan. 3, 16, 30; Feb. 22, 28; Apr. 1, 5, 7, 21; June 1, 10, 

25; July 24; Aug. 2, 29; Oct. 3, 21; Nov. 3, 13, 27; Dec. 4. 

.Pride, June 28; Sept. 29.. 

Principles of Righteousness, May 19; June 17; July 27; 

Nov. 10. 

" Prove all things," Aug. 18. 

Pruning, July 20. 

Quietness, Nov. 28. 

Rejoicing Feb. 26; May 10; Nov. 21; Dec. 18. 

Reproving Sin, Addenda. 

Reputation, Nov. 4. 

Retrospection, Dec. 30. 

Reverence, Jan. 29; June 3; Oct. 21; Dec. 5. 

Sanctification, Feb. 5; July 1. 

Secret Faults and Presumptuous Sins, Aug. 12. 

" Seek ye first the Kingdom of God," Aug. 21; Oct. 30. 

Seeking Divine Guidance Feb. 23, 25; Apr. 16. 

Self-control, Dec. 6. 

Self-examination Mch. 22; May 12; Sept. 9. 

Service, Oct. 23; Nov. 26; Dec. 10; Addenda. 

" She hath done what she could," July 15; Nov. 16. 

Singleness of Purpose, June 2, 12; Dec. 5. 

Sons and Daughters of Comfort in Zion, Aug. 10. 

5 pirit . 

" Be ye Med with the Spirit," July 16. 

Intoxicating spirit of the World, Apr. 11; June 20; Sept. 8. 
Praying for the Holy Spirit, Dec. 4. 



Topical Index 



v 



" Quench not the Spirit," Aug. 17. 

Spiritual Lethargy, ' Mch. 10, 26; Apr. 8. 

The Spirit of Fear, Sept. 4. 

The Spirit of Prayer, Nov. 27. 

"The Spirit of a Sound Mind," Jan. 6; May 22. 

Walking ''after the Spirit," Feb. 24; May 6; June 20. 

Striving Lawfully, Aug. 7. 

Suffering for " Righteousness' sake," Apr. 6; June 24; July 

28; Oct. 29. 

Sympathy with the Groaning Creation, .June 26. 

Taking the name of the Lord "in vain," Nov. 8. 

Talents. 

Burying our Talents, Jan. 18; Mch. 17. 

Pounds and Talents, June 22, 23. 

Temptations. 

Sept. 27; Nov. 3, 21, 22; Dec. 9. 

Promptness and Positiveness in resisting Temptation, Aug. 

6; Sept. 28; Nov. 11. 

Testings and Siftings, Nov. 14. 

Thankfulness, Jan. 1, 9; June 25; Aug. 16; Oct. 31; Dec. 28. 

" That Disciple whom Jesus loved," July 23. 

The Adversary, Sept. 28.. 

The Adversary's "garment of light," July 13. 

" The Angel of the Lord," .Nov. 18. 

The .Anointing, '. Apr. 17; June 27. 

The Answer of the Three Hebrews, .Aug. 31. 

The Antitypical Elijah, Aug. 11. 

The Christian's Rest, Apr. 26; May 18. 

The Church July 8. 

The Church's Commission, Oct. 28. 

The Cup, Apr. 12, 13; May 10; July 19; Oct. 22. 

The Flesh, Feb. 2; May 5, 12; July 11; Aug. 27; Sept. 24; 

Oct. 8; Nov. 9. 

The Goodness and Mercy of God, Sept. 22. 

The Great Refiner,. . . June 17. 

The Lord's Sheep, Sept. 21; Dec. 15. 

The Lord's Supper, Apr. 12, 13. 

The Mark, Mch. 11; Sept. 30. 

The Members of "His Body," Mch. 8; Apr. 16; July 18; 

Sept. 2; Addenda. 

"The Mind of Christ," Apr. 27; July 11, 23. 

The New Creation, Mch. 29; Apr. 17; July 11; Aug. 27; 

Sept. 7, 20, 29. 

The New Mind, July 11; Dec. 11. 

The " New Song," Addenda. 



vi 



Topical Index 



The Oneness of the Divine Family Aug. 24. 

The Providence of God, July 29 ; Aug. 5; Dec. 24. 

"The Race set before us," Mch. 11, 18; Apr. 9, 30. 

The "Royal Priesthood," Apr. 24, 30; May 16; Aug. 30; 
Sept. 26. 

"The Temple of God," Sept. 26. 

The Tongue. 

Power of the Tongue Oct. 1. 

A Bridled Tongue, Feb. 20; May 25; Aug. 1, 8. 

The Touchstone, Dec. 16. 

The Truth. 

Bearing "witness to the Truth," July 21. 

Beauty and Influence of the Truth,.. ..June 19; Oct. 31. 

The Voice of the " Good Shepherd," July 9; Nov. 17. 

The Will, May 4; July 1, 11, 16; Sept. 3; Dec. 11. 

The Word of the Lord Jan. 19; Feb. 25; May 21. 

The " Works of Darkness," Apr. 3; Addenda. 

The Yoke, Feb. 17. 

Thought. 

Guarding our Thoughts, .. Oct. 10; Nov. 1; Dec. 1, 11, 12. 

Habit of Thought, Feb. 9. 

Nobility of Thought. Mch. 5; June 3, 13. 

Tribulation. 

The Value of Tribulation. Apr. 28, 29. 

Rejoicing in Tribulation, May 10; Oct. 15; Nov. 21; Dec. 
18. 

Warnings, Feb. 2, 4; Mch. 26; Apr. 8; June 6, 2S~] Aug. 9, 
11; Nov. 14. 

Wastefulness, Oct. 18. 

Watchfulness, Apr. 1; June 25; Oct. 10; Nov. 1, 3, 19. 

Watch and Pray, Nov. 3, 27. 

"We ourselves groan within ourselves," Addenda. 

" Whatsoever Things," Mch. 2, 3, 4, 5. 

" Who is Worthy? " Dec. 21. 

"Wise as serpents, harmless as doves," Oct. 20. 

Words. 

" A word in season, fitly spoken," Dec. 23. 

Our words, Feb. 14; Mch. 2, 30; Apr. 19, 22; May 25. 

" Work out your own Salvation with fear and trembling," 
Dec. 17. 

" Ye cannot serve God and Mammon,". . . .Oct. 30; Nov. 4. 



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<g*§. THINGS YOU OUGHT TO KNOW ^ 

f AS # 

^ CHRISTIAN BIBLE STUDENTS J> 

f * 

THE SATISFACTORY PROOFS THAT— ^) 

— The Bible is a divine revelation — reasonable and trustworthy, 
revealing a systematic plan full of Justice, Wisdom and Love. ^S? 
<=g%' — 4 4 The Key of Knowledge" of the Scriptures, long lost (Luke 

11:52), is found, and gives God's faithful people access to the *n 
g "Hidden Mystery."— Col. 1:26. ^ 

— The Lord Jesus and his faithful are to be not only priests 
^ but kings. <o 
g — This Kingdom is to come and God's will be done at the 
<g4- Second AdVent. 4*|> 
— God' s plan is to select and save the Church in the Gospel age, *o 
and to use this Church in blessing the world in the Millennium. **5> 
<=g& — A ransom for all implies an opportunity for restitution to all. 
— The Day of Judgment is 1 ,000 years long — the world' s trial day. 
— Spiritual and human natures are distinct and separate. ^Jjr 
— "The narrow way" of self-sacrifice will cease with this age. 4$£> 
< ^ — "The highway" of righteousness without suffering will be 
j£ open to all the redeemed race in the Millennium. — Isa. 35 : 8, 9. ^ > 

— "The kingdoms of this world" are but for an ordained period 
Jg» and must then give place to the "Kingdom of Heaven" — 

"Thy Kingdom Come." **3r 

Especially You Ought to Know 

< if' — Why God has permitted evil for six thousand years, and "^T* 
< 5^ — The relationship of God' s people to this * ' Reign of Sin and &> 
^ Death " and to the results. ^ 

< g£ These subjects and many others of deep interest to all of God's 
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THINGS YOU WANT TO KNOW 



CHRISTIAN BIBLE STUDENTS 



TP THERE ARE EVIDENCES THAT— 

^ — Six thousand Years from Adam ended in A, D. 1872. 
^ — The Date of our Lord' ^ Birth was October, b. c. 2. 
<=^k — The Date of Annunciation to Mary, Dec. 25th, B. c. 3. 

— The Date of our Lord's Baptism was October, A. d. 29. 
< 5\ > — The Date of our Lord's Crucifixion, April, A. D, 33. 
^ — The "Seventy "Weeks" of Israel's favor ended A. D. 36. 

— The Jewish Age ''Harvest," was 40 years, A. D. 30 to 70. 
?§S — The Christian Age "Harvest," 40 years, A. D. 18 74- 19 14. 
<§4 — The Jewish Jubilees were Typical of the "Time of Restitu- 
<^> tion of all Things. ' 1 — Acls 3 : 1 9-2 1 . 

— The Typical Jubilees Mark the Date of their Antitype. 

— The ''Times of the Gentiles" will end with A. D. 1 914. 

— The Jewish Age, in its Length, its Ceremonies, etc. , Typified 
< c^ > the Realities of the Christian Age and its Length. 
<^ — Elias or "Elijah the Prophet" was a Type. — How fulfilled, 
A —The Antichrist Has Come!— What? When? Where? 



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THINGS YOU OUGHT TO KNOW 
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DO YOU KNOW THAT ^ 

M> 

—We are now living in "the Time of the End" of this Gospel age? j£ 
—Our epoch is "the Day of God's Preparation' ' for the Millen- ^ 
nial age ? 

— The "Days of Waiting" are ended and the "Cleansing of the 3} 
Sanctuary" — the Church, — the separating of its Wheat and 
Tares, is now in progress? 
— This is the reason for the beginning of the Return ot Divine 3> 
Favor to Fleshly Israel— blinded for centuries — to permit the 
gathering of an eledl class from among the Gentiles ? ^> 
— This favor is gradually taking shape and known as Zionism ? 3 
— Immanuel's Kingdom is now in process of establishment ? ^ > 
— The Great Pyramid in Egypt is a Witness to all these events 

of the ages and of our day — testifying in symbols? 
— The Pyramid's downward passage under "A Draconis" sym- "N^r 
bolizes the course of Sin ? Its First Ascending Passage sym- A> 
bolizes the Jewish age? Its Grand Gallery symbolizes the ^5 
Gospel age? Its Upper Step symbolizes the approaching per- 
iod of tribulation and anarchy ,"Judgments,"upon Christendom? 
Its King's Chamber the Divine Nature, etc., of the Overcom- 3> 
ing Church — the Christ, Head and Body? Its Ante-Chamber ^ 
the Correction in Righteousness of the "Great Company" ^> 
etc.? Its Queen's Chamber those of Israel and the world who 1§ 
attain Restitution ? 

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BUT WHICH "^f 

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UNDERSTAND" 1| 

— DAN. 12 : IO. — 

" THE WISE SHALL UNDERSTAND " THAT— ^ 

, —The Gospel age is to close with a " Day of Vengeance." «o 
—It will affedt the whole world but specially " Christendom.' * 
' — All Political, Social, Financial and Religious systems will fall. 4^~> 
, — These judgments must begin with the House of God and ex- .o 
tend to all. W 
— This period is noted by the Prophets as ''the Day of Jehovah." 
, — It is symbolically styled "a Dark Day," a "Day of clouds," etc. 4 £> 
— Its trouble is symbolically likened to a Hurricane, to a Flood, 
to a Fire, etc., these strong figures being used to give an ap- 
preciation, yet to hide the real nature, of that"Time of Trouble so 
such asNever Has Been since there was a Nation.' ' — Dan. 1 2: 1 . 
— Preparations for this symbolic "Fire" and "Tempest" are now «rf|> 

well under way and shortly will rage furiously. 
— It will be a contest between the Masses and the Classes. 
— Many see it coming and trust to various schemes to avert it. 4*|p 
— But all worldly Schemes and Panaceas will fail utterly. 
— God's Kingdom, the only hope for Church and World, is sure. ;|j 
— Man s extremity will prove to be God's opportunity — in the 4^p 
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dom which will establish righteousness by force. — Rev. 2 : 26, ^ 
27; Dan.2:34, 35, 44, 45. r$> 

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^ THE AT- ONE- MENT IS BELIEVED IN ^> 

^ BY 4 

T ALL CHRISTIAN BIBLE STUDENTS ^ 

Nevertheless, but few even of the best informed could explain 

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<^ between God and man. 4*g> 

<^ ALL SHOULD KNOW 



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The At-one-ment, Jehovah God 

And concerning the great Mediator of the At-one-ment, our 

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And the necessity that the "Only Begotten" must be "made 

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— Respecting man, the subject of the great At-one-ment, his 
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